Choices in breast reconstruction

A few years ago I surveyed a group of female plastic surgeons as to what they would choose for reconstruction if they were faced with the diagnosis of breast cancer.,  My thinking was that this group of doctors had an unique perspective on breast reconstruction options –  they were very well informed as to  not only the options available but also to the risks and outcomes of each reconstructive option .  The results were interesting.,  A total of 54 female plastic surgeons were surveyed.  Ninety one percent stated that they would opt for mastectomy over breast conservation .  Most   (87%) choosing a mastectomy would opt for reconstruction.  For their reconstructive procedure 54% would choose tissue expansion with implant reconstruction and, 28% would choose a Tram flap and only 5% would choose a latissimus flap.  For the women choosing implant reconstruction 79% would choose a silicone implant , 24% would choose a saline implant and one respondent felt that either choice would be acceptable.  The most frequently chosen reconstruction then was tissue expansion followed by a silicone implant (43%).  Interesting  and food for thought!