A Study of the Relation Between Mastectomy Specimen Weight and Volume With Implant Size in Oncoplastic Reconstruction.

Background: There is no general consensus regarding the best and most accurate method for assessing the size of implant required for achieving the best symmetry in oncoplastic reconstruction.

Materials And Methods: Breast weight, volume and size of implant were recorded prospectively on patients undergoing immediate reconstruction over a 3-year period. Cases with specimen size greater than 2,000 g were excluded. The primary endpoint was size of implant used in relation to specimen weight and volume. Secondary endpoints were the influence of age and histology on specimen weight, volume and breast density.

Results: A total of 278 mastectomies were performed. Correlation of implant size with volume was marginally stronger than that with weight (r=81%, p<0.001 vs. r=78.9%, p<0.001 respectively). Women aged 50 years and above had lower breast weight for the same breast volume than women under 50 years. The difference was merely 4%, but was statistically significant (p=0.001). Histology had no statistically significant influence on breast density.

Conclusion: Specimen weight and volume were found to be closely correlated. Weight can be measured more accurately and easily with reproducible readings compared to volume.