Outcomes of Women Undergoing Mastectomy for Unilateral Breast Cancer Who Elect to Undergo Contralateral Mastectomy for Symmetry: A Systematic Review

This systemic review identified primary research studies (2000-2022) which evaluated clinical or patient-reported outcomes for women who underwent contralateral mastectomy without reconstruction after mastectomy for unilateral breast cancer. 15 studies (n=1954) were identified which evaluated outcomes after bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction after unilateral breast cancer. Surgical complication risks were higher after bilateral mastectomy when compared to unilateral mastectomy without reconstruction, but significantly less when compared to patients undergoing breast reconstruction. High patient satisfaction was observed for patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction. Qualitative analysis identified key themes of flat denial, stigma, and gender-based assumptions. These data should provide surgeons with evidence to offer bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction for symmetry after unilateral mastectomy for breast cancer.

Classifications: Breast & Oncoplastic Surgery

Keywords: Contralateral mastectomy