• Senthurun Mylvaganam, Elizabeth Conroy, Paula R Williamson, BarnesNicola L PNLPBreast Unit, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Southmoor Road, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK., Ramsey I Cutress, Matthew D Gardiner, Abhilash Jain, Joanna M Skillman, Steven Thrush, Lisa J Whisker, Jane M Blazeby, Shelley Potter, Christopher Holcombe, iBRA Steering Group, and Breast Reconstruction Research Collaborative.
• New Cross Hospital, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, Wednesfield Way, Wolverhampton, WV10 0QP, UK.
• Breast. 2017 Oct 1; 35: 182-190.

IntroductionThe introduction of biological and synthetic meshes has revolutionised the practice of implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) but evidence for effectiveness is lacking. The iBRA (implant Breast Reconstruction evAluation) study is a national trainee-led project that aims to explore the practice and outcomes of IBBR to inform the design of a future trial. We report the results of the iBRA National Practice Questionnaire (NPQ) which aimed to comprehensively describe the provision and practice of IBBR across the UK.MethodsA questionnaire investigating local practice and service provision of IBBR developed by the iBRA Steering Group was completed by trainee and consultant leads at breast and plastic surgical units across the UK. Summary data for each survey item were calculated and variation between centres and overall provision of care examined.Results81 units within 79 NHS-hospitals completed the questionnaire. Units offered a range of reconstructive techniques, with IBBR accounting for 70% (IQR:50-80%) of participating units' immediate procedures. Units on average were staffed by 2.5 breast surgeons (IQR:2.0-3.0) and 2.0 plastic surgeons (IQR:1.0-3.0) performing 35 IBBR cases per year (IQR:20-50). Variation was demonstrated in the provision of novel different techniques for IBBR especially the use of biological (n = 62) and synthetic (n = 25) meshes and in patient selection for these procedures.ConclusionsThe iBRA-NPQ has demonstrated marked variation in the provision and practice of IBBR in the UK. The prospective audit phase of the iBRA study will determine the safety and effectiveness of different approaches to IBBR and allow evidence-based best practice to be explored.Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

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