Patient-reported outcomes for nipple reconstruction: Review of literature. Issue 5 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Yan Yu; Chin, Ye Ru; Bajaj, Kuljyot; Thomas, Sunil
• Is Part Of: Surgeon. Volume 19:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: e245
• Page End: e255
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Nipple reconstruction -- Nipple–areola complex reconstruction -- Patient-reported outcomes -- PROM -- Patient satisfaction; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2020.11.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-666X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: There is currently no validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that is specific to nipple–areola complex (NAC) reconstruction. This paper evaluates all patient-reported outcomes for NAC reconstruction in the literature. Methods: Systematic literature searches of The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were conducted to identify all primary studies with patient-reported outcomes for NAC reconstruction. The primary outcome measures were patient satisfaction rates for appearance and symmetry of NAC reconstruction. Results: Fifty-nine papers were included in this review. Reported patient satisfaction was generally high, with the pooled average satisfaction rate for appearance being 81.9% and symmetry 80.3%. 89.5% of respondents would do it again and 94.8% would recommend it to others. There is no standardised or validated PROM specific to NAC reconstruction and this contributes to a lack of conclusive findings from studies in this area. Conclusion: There is a need for a validated PROM that is specific to NAC reconstruction, in order to serve as a standardised outcome assessment to guide further research and improve patient care. Highlights: Patient satisfaction with nipple reconstruction is generally high. There is no consensus on a gold standard technique for nipple reconstruction. A validated patient-reported outcome measure specific to nipple reconstruction is needed.