TY - JOUR
T1 - Preoperative anemia impacts early postoperative recovery following autologous breast reconstruction
AU - Nelson, Jonas A.
AU - Fischer, John P.
AU - Chung, Cyndi U.
AU - Fosnot, Joshua
AU - Selber, Jesse C.
AU - Serletti, Joseph M.
AU - Wu, Liza C.
PY - 2014/6
Y1 - 2014/6
N2 - Introduction Preoperative anemia impacts a significant portion of breast reconstruction patients, though this does not appear to affect surgical outcomes. The impact of anemia on postoperative physical and mental health, however, is unknown. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the role of preoperative anemia in recovery after autologous reconstruction. Methods From 2005 to 2010, we prospectively assessed autologous breast reconstruction patients with satisfaction surveys, strength and functional tests, and the short form 36 (SF36). Data was collected preoperatively and at early (<90d), intermediate (90-365d), and late (>365d) follow-up. We stratified patients by presence or lack of preoperative anemia (hemoglobin<12 g/dL). Results Of 399 patients undergoing reconstruction, 179 enrolled in the study. Anemic patients (n = 31, 17%) had higher rates of preoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.02) and lower rates of radiation (p = 0.001). Preoperatively, anemic patients reported worse physical (p < 0.001), mental (p = 0.003) and overall health (p = 0.0003). These scores worsened postoperatively for anemic and nonanemic patients, though anemic patients had lower average scores in all SF36 categories. This was significant only for early follow-up physical health (p = 0.02). Change in SF36 scores and objective physical exam assessments did not differ between the two cohorts. Conclusions Though preoperative anemia may not impact surgical outcomes, it adversely impacts the recovery of breast reconstruction patients. Subjective physical health differences were significant in early follow-up, though this did not translate to differences in mental health or satisfaction. We advocate for preoperative optimization of hemoglobin to enhance the early recovery potential of breast reconstruction patients.
AB - Introduction Preoperative anemia impacts a significant portion of breast reconstruction patients, though this does not appear to affect surgical outcomes. The impact of anemia on postoperative physical and mental health, however, is unknown. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the role of preoperative anemia in recovery after autologous reconstruction. Methods From 2005 to 2010, we prospectively assessed autologous breast reconstruction patients with satisfaction surveys, strength and functional tests, and the short form 36 (SF36). Data was collected preoperatively and at early (<90d), intermediate (90-365d), and late (>365d) follow-up. We stratified patients by presence or lack of preoperative anemia (hemoglobin<12 g/dL). Results Of 399 patients undergoing reconstruction, 179 enrolled in the study. Anemic patients (n = 31, 17%) had higher rates of preoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.02) and lower rates of radiation (p = 0.001). Preoperatively, anemic patients reported worse physical (p < 0.001), mental (p = 0.003) and overall health (p = 0.0003). These scores worsened postoperatively for anemic and nonanemic patients, though anemic patients had lower average scores in all SF36 categories. This was significant only for early follow-up physical health (p = 0.02). Change in SF36 scores and objective physical exam assessments did not differ between the two cohorts. Conclusions Though preoperative anemia may not impact surgical outcomes, it adversely impacts the recovery of breast reconstruction patients. Subjective physical health differences were significant in early follow-up, though this did not translate to differences in mental health or satisfaction. We advocate for preoperative optimization of hemoglobin to enhance the early recovery potential of breast reconstruction patients.
KW - Abdominal wall strength
KW - Anemia
KW - Free flap breast reconstruction
KW - Function
KW - Outcomes
KW - TRAM
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U2 - 10.1016/j.bjps.2014.02.017
DO - 10.1016/j.bjps.2014.02.017
M3 - Article
C2 - 24613772
AN - SCOPUS:84901305426
SN - 1748-6815
VL - 67
SP - 797
EP - 803
JO - Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
JF - Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
IS - 6
ER -