Is there a difference in the diagnosis and prognosis of local recurrence between autologous tissue and implant-based breast reconstruction?

Abstract Purpose Breast reconstruction has become common after total mastectomy; however, certain types of breast reconstruction may be associated with delayed local recurrence or poor survival. Here we investigated whether there are differences in the diagnosis and prognosis of local recurrence between autologous reconstruction and implant reconstruction. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on patients undergoing breast cancer surgery with autologous tissue or immediate implant reconstruction in a single center (January 2003–December 2017). Patient data including the period from cancer surgery to local recurrence diagnosis, tumor size at the time of recurrence, and survival times after cancer surgery and recurrence detection were analyzed. Results There was a significant difference (p = 0.021) in the time from surgery to recurrence between the autologous tissue (1,246 days) and implant (909 days) groups. Recurrence tumor size did not differ (autologous: 1.00 cm2 vs. implant: 0.90 cm2; p = 0.813). Survival time after surgery (p = 0.63) and recurrence detection (p = 0.74) did not statistically vary. Conclusions Local recurrence detection takes longer following autologous reconstruction. However, there is no difference in recurrence tumor size or survival, suggesting no variation in the prognosis of local recurrence according to the reconstruction method.