American journal of surgery
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The incidence of postoperative wound complications and early cancer recurrence was studied in 289 patients who had mastectomy alone and in 113 patients who underwent immediate reconstruction following mastectomy. Patients undergoing immediate reconstruction were younger and had less advanced disease than patients who had mastectomy alone. The postoperative hospital stay was 3.8 days and 4.4 days (p < 0.05) in patients with and without reconstruction, respectively. ⋯ There was no significant difference in the incidence of distant metastases between the two groups of patients. The results suggest that immediate breast reconstruction can be performed following mastectomy for cancer without increased risk for overall postoperative complications, prolonged hospital stay, or local recurrence. However, patients who choose to have immediate reconstruction need to be informed about risks for specific complications associated with the procedure, especially if an implant is used.