The “Immediate versus Delayed AutoLogous Breast REconstruction in postmASTectomy radiotherapy (IDEAL BREAST)” study is a prospective cross-sectional study on patient-reported outcomes related to breast cancer treatment and postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). This study is conducted in two Dutch hospitals. Breast cancer treatment involves a multimodality approach, where women may undergo PMRT. PMRT contributes to improved survival rates and reduced locoregional recurrences. However, due to the adverse effects of radiotherapy on tissue, various complications can arise (up to 40%), such as fat necrosis, fibrosis, impaired wound healing, and compromised aesthetics. An earlier study conducted at UMC Utrecht demonstrated that autologous reconstruction, as compared to implant-based reconstruction in this context, yields better results in terms of patient satisfaction and reconstruction failure rates. Nonetheless, due to the high risk of complications, many plastic surgeons remain cautious about immediate reconstruction, resulting in a lack of consensus on treatment approaches in the Netherlands.

In the IDEAL BREAST study, we investigate the optimal timing of PMRT in autologous breast reconstructions, either before or after the final reconstruction. We assess patient satisfaction (using the BREAST-Q questionnaire) and postoperative complications.