Effect of timing of breast reconstruction and radiotherapy, with respect to complications and cosmetic outcomes:

·         An implant reconstruction prior to postmastectomy radiotherapy (RT) yields less complications than after RT.

·         Timing of RT has no impact on severe complication rate in case of an autologous reconstruction.

·         Autologous reconstruction prior to RT yields more fibrosis than reconstruction after RT.

·         Attention should be focused on reporting using standardized outcome measures.

Bibliographic Reference:

Liesbeth Boersma
Maastricht University Medical Center, Dept. Radiation Oncology, Maastricht, The Netherlands