Cosmetic Outcome and Level of Patient Satisfaction after Oncoplastic Breast Surgery in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-sectional Study from Tertiary Care Centre in Kerala, India

Introduction: Oncoplastic Breast Surgery (OBS) has revolutionised breast cancer treatment by combining oncological surgery with plastic surgery techniques, thereby allowing for both cancer control and aesthetic preservation. Evaluating the cosmetic outcomes and levels of patient satisfaction post-OBS is critical for understanding its impact in the Indian context, where cultural, socio-economic and healthcare factors play important roles in shaping patients’ postoperative experiences. Patient satisfaction is influenced by factors such as overall outcomes and specific breast features, including size, shape and symmetry. Aim: To assess the cosmetic outcomes and levels of patient satisfaction after OBS in breast cancer survivors, using the Kyungpook National University Hospital (KNUH) Breast Q rates. The study also compares responses among patient groups who underwent different techniques of OBS and examines the association of these outcomes with various qualitative variables, such as age, co-morbidities, stage of disease and adjuvant treatments, among others. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 breast cancer patients who underwent Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS) with volume displacement and replacement techniques in the Department of Surgical Oncology at Sree Gokulam medical college and Research Foundation, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Each patient was given the modified KNUH Breast-Q questionnaire during follow-up visits to the department. Based on their responses, cosmetic outcomes and satisfaction levels were measured using the Breast-Q score. The Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were utilised to determine the association between categorical variables. Results: In this study, of 40 patients following OBS, 100% of patients reported a positive response of either excellent or good/fair satisfaction. Considering the association of patient responses to various surgical techniques, 100% of patients who underwent reduction mammoplasty, including superomedial and inferomedial pedicle reduction mammoplasty, gave an excellent response. Among the most commonly performed techniques, the round block (n=13) received an excellent response from 61.5% of patients, while 38.5% reported fair/good satisfaction. The p-value was found to be 0.044, indicating a statistically significant association. No significant association was found between satisfaction levels and age or stage of disease (p-value>0.05). Conclusion: The cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction, based on breast Q scores, indicated either excellent or good/fair responses in 100% of the study patients who underwent OBS. OBS can be a viable option in breast cancer surgery, achieving patient satisfaction in the Indian population while maintaining oncological safety.