Breast Reconstruction Among Commercially Insured Women With Breast Cancer in the United States

Introduction This study evaluated trends related to breast reconstruction and the factors associated with reconstruction. Methods Women with breast cancer aged 19 to 64 years who underwent a mastectomy procedure between July 1, 2011, and September 30, 2014, were identified from the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database. The first date of surgical procedure during this period was defined as the index date. Continuous enrollment during the 12-month preindex and postindex period was required, and the patient sample was followed for 12 months postindex. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with having breast reconstruction. Results Among the 17,502 women undergoing mastectomy during the study period, 73% (n = 12,816) had breast reconstruction, with 66% (n = 11,613) having immediate and 7% (n = 1203) having delayed reconstruction. Overall reconstruction rates increased during the study period from 69.47% in the third quarter of 2011 to 75.72% in the third quarter of 2014. The most common type of immediate reconstruction involved the use of tissue expanders (with or without implant and autologous reconstruction) (similar to 77%), followed by implant reconstruction (9.67%), autologous reconstruction (10.81%), and other reconstruction (2.52%). Acellular dermal matrix was commonly used with immediate tissue expander and immediate implant-based reconstruction, and its use increased during the study period. Demographic and treatment-related factors were found to be associated with reconstruction among women undergoing mastectomy. Conclusions In this commercial payor setting, most women undergoing mastectomy had breast reconstruction. Among women undergoing immediate reconstruction, tissue expander use was common. Several factors were shown to be associated with the decision to have breast reconstruction.