Outcomes and Outcome Measures in Breast Reduction Mammaplasty: A Systematic Review Journal Articles uri icon

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abstract

  • Abstract Background Reduction mammaplasty remains critical to the treatment of breast hypertrophy. No technique has been shown to be superior; however, comparison between studies is difficult due to variation in outcome reporting. Objectives The authors sought to identify a comprehensive list of outcomes and outcome measures in reduction mammaplasty. Methods A comprehensive computerized search was performed. Included studies were randomized or nonrandomized controlled trials involving at least 100 cases of female breast hypertrophy and patients of all ages who underwent 1 or more defined reduction mammaplasty technique. Outcomes and outcome measures were extracted and tabulated. Results A total 106 articles were eligible for inclusion; 57 unique outcomes and 16 outcome measures were identified. Frequency of patient-reported and author-reported outcomes were 44% and 88%, respectively. Postoperative complications were the most frequently reported outcome (82.2%). Quality-of-life outcomes were accounted for in 37.7% of studies. Outcome measures were either condition-specific or generic; frequencies were as low as 1% and as high as 5.6%. Five scales were formally assessed in the breast reduction populations. Clinical measures were defined in 15.1% of studies. Conclusions There is marked heterogeneity in reporting of outcomes and outcome measures in the literature. A standardized outcome set is needed to compare outcomes of various reduction mammaplasty techniques. Level of Evidence: 4

authors

  • Waltho, Daniel
  • Gallo, Lucas
  • Gallo, Matteo
  • Murphy, Jessica
  • Copeland, Andrea
  • Mowakket, Sadek
  • Moltaji, Syena
  • Baxter, Charmaine
  • Karpinski, Marta
  • Thoma, Achilleas

publication date

  • March 23, 2020