Higher reconstruction failure and less patient-reported satisfaction after post mastectomy radiotherapy with immediate implant-based breast reconstruction compared to immediate autologous breast reconstruction.

Patients treated with PMRT and one or two stage immediate implant-based reconstruction were at greater risk of developing reconstruction failure and were less satisfied when compared to one or two stage immediate autologous reconstruction. Since fairly high complication rates in both reconstruction methods after PMRT are observed, it raises the question whether immediate breast reconstruction should be considered at all when PMRT is indicated. Patients considering or potential candidates for IBR should be informed about the consequences of PMRT and especially when opting for autologous reconstruction one should possibly perform reconstruction in a secondary setting.