African-American women have equivalent outcomes following autologous free flap breast reconstruction despite greater preoperative risk factors

Abstract

Background: Disparities along racial and ethnic lines exist in breast cancer treatment and reconstruction. This study compares preoperative characteristics among female breast cancer patients who received autologous breast reconstruction to determine if race affects clinical outcomes.

Methods: Women receiving autologous breast reconstruction at a single institution from 2005 to 2011 were identified within a prospectively maintained database. Preoperative risk factors and rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality were assessed with respect to race.

Results: African-American patients had significantly higher rates of preoperative comorbidities than Caucasian patients. Despite the heightened preoperative risk factors, postoperative complications did not significantly differ between racial categories.

Conclusion: As the alleviation of healthcare disparities remains a focus of healthcare reform, these findings are beneficial in further educating African-American breast cancer patients and their providers of the safe and viable option of autologous tissue transfer for breast reconstruction.

Keywords: Breast reconstruction racial demographics; Free flap breast reconstruction; Health care disparity; Minority breast cancer patients.