Social support holds protective value in breast reconstruction

Background

Social support is a recognized determinant of surgical outcomes, yet its specific impact on breast reconstruction remains unclear. The present study sought to evaluate the associations between relationship status, household composition, and the presence of support person(s) preoperatively on outcomes in breast reconstruction patients.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on breast reconstruction patients at a single institution from 2017 to 2023. The primary outcome assessed was post-operative complications. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses evaluated associations between social support characteristics and outcomes.

Results

Of the 1466 patients included in the study, 910 patients (62.1%) had a partner, while 556 patients (37.9%) did not; when stratified by living arrangement, 1254 patients (85.6%) lived with others, while 212 patients (14.4%) lived alone; when stratified by the presence of a support person, 1015 patients (69.2%) were accompanied at visits, while 451 (30.8%) patients were alone. Univariate regression showed that having a partner was associated with significantly reduced odds of any complication (OR: 0.712, p=0.002), dehiscence (OR: 0.480, p<0.001), and necrosis (OR: 0.699, p=0.013). On multivariate analysis, controlling for patient demographics, procedure type and laterality, having a partner continued to predict any complication (aOR: 0.760, p=0.023) and dehiscence (aOR: 0.491, p<0.001). Having a support person at visits and living arrangements were not predictive of any complications on regression analysis.

Conclusion

Having a partner predicts fewer complications following breast reconstruction, highlighting the role of social support in optimizing recovery. Incorporating social support assessments into preoperative care may reduce disparities and improve patient outcomes.