Jonas Löfstrand: New insights on patient satisfaction in breast reconstruction
How satisfied are patients after breast reconstruction? Jonas Löfstrand compared two common surgical methods and found clear differences in satisfaction. His research can help patients choose the right treatment and set more realistic expectations for the results.
JONAS LÖFSTRAND
Dissertation defense: 18 October 2024 (click for details)
Doctoral thesis: Flap-based breast reconstruction: clinical studies on donor sites, patient satisfaction, and health economics
Research area: Plastic Surgery
Sahlgrenska Academy, The Institute of Clinical Sciences
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. When a full mastectomy is necessary, breast reconstruction is often considered.
There are many ways to reconstruct a breast. Some methods involve implants, while others use tissue taken from another part of the body that is transferred to the breast, a so-called flap. In the latter case, the area where the tissue is harvested, known as the donor site, can cause issues like pain, scarring, or other problems.
“It is hard to know which reconstruction method is the best,” says Jonas Löfstrand, a plastic surgeon at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and PhD student at the Institute of Clinical Sciences. “Also, different patients may have different goals for their breast reconstruction. This means that the same method may not be the best for everyone.”
Comparing patient satisfaction
Jonas Löfstrand’s doctoral thesis investigates how patient satisfaction differs between two common breast reconstruction techniques:
- Latissimus dorsi flap, where skin and muscle are moved from the back.
- DIEP flap, where skin and fat are taken from the abdomen.
“We sent out questionnaires to patients, asking them to rate their satisfaction with the reconstructed breast as well as their satisfaction with the scarring and function in the areas where the tissue was taken.”
“Gives us a better background”
What are the key findings from the research?
“Satisfaction with the breast itself is higher among patients who had the DIEP flap procedure. They are also more satisfied with the function of the donor site. However, patients who underwent the latissimus dorsi flap procedure are more satisfied with the aesthetic outcome at the donor site.”
What benefits can this research offer to patients?
“It gives us a better background when we meet with individual patients and hear what they want from their reconstruction. It also helps us provide them with more realistic expectations about the results and the potential issues they may face afterward. Plus, we have identified areas where patients are not fully satisfied, and we are working to make improvements in those areas,” says Jonas Löfstrand.
Supporting clinical practice
What has been the most rewarding part of your PhD project, and what has been the most challenging?
“Since these surgeries are part of my daily clinical work, I find it rewarding to have a stronger scientific foundation when I talk to patients. Also, it is great to work on improving the specific areas where some patients are not fully satisfied. The challenge has been finding enough time to manage everything, with a busy clinical practice and everyday life.”
Text: Jakob Lundberg