ESPRAS Umfrage zur Brustrekonstruktion in Europa

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

  • Riccardo E. Giunta
  • Emma Hansson
  • Carolina Andresen
  • Elias Athanasopoulos
  • Giovanni di Benedetto
  • Aleksandra Bozovic Celebic
  • Robert Caulfield
  • Horacio Costa
  • Cenk Demirdover
  • Alexandru Georgescu
  • Thierry van Hemelryck
  • Mark Henley
  • Elisabeth A. Kappos
  • Reuf Karabeg
  • Ulla Karhunen-Enckell
  • Christian Korvald
  • Stephane de Mortillet
  • Dylan J. Murray
  • Drahomír Palenčár
  • Andrzej Piatkowski
  • Fabio Santanelli di Pompeo
  • Georgios Psaras
  • Hinne Rakhorst
  • Klemen Rogelj
  • Dirk J. Schaefer
  • Stephan Spendel
  • Nenad Stepic
  • Marc Vandevoort
  • Olavi Vasar
  • Ruth Waters
  • Rado Zic
  • Nicholas Moellhoff
  • Anna Elander

Background The European Leadership Forum (ELF) of the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS) previously identified the need for harmonisation of breast reconstruction standards in Europe, in order to strengthen the role of plastic surgeons. This study aims to survey the status, current trends and potential regional differences in the practice of breast reconstruction in Europe, with emphasis on equity and access. Materials and Methods A largescale web-based questionnaire was sent to consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeons, who are experienced in breast reconstruction and with understanding of the national situation in their country. Suitable participants were identified via the Executive Committee (ExCo) of ESPRAS and national delegates of ESPRAS. The results were evaluated and related to evidence-based literature. Results A total of 33 participants from 29 European countries participated in this study. Overall, the incidence of breast reconstruction was reported to be relatively low across Europe, comparable to other large geographic regions, such as North America. Equity of provision and access to breast reconstruction was distributed evenly within Europe, with geographic regions potentially affecting the type of reconstruction offered. Standard practices with regard to radiotherapy differed between countries and a clear demand for European guidelines on breast reconstruction was reported. Conclusion This study identified distinct lack of consistency in international practice patterns across European countries and a strong demand for consistent European guidance. Large-scale and multi-centre European clinical trials are required to further elucidate the presented areas of interest and to define European standard operating procedures.

Original languageEnglish
JournalHandchirurgie Mikrochirurgie Plastische Chirurgie
Volume53
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)340-348
Number of pages9
ISSN0722-1819
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2021

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