Harmony of Quality of Life and Emotional Well-Being: The Impact of Combining Conservative Breast Surgery with Minimal Reconstruction in Breast Cancer Patients

Abuelnour, Aimen Elsheikh Khalil; H. Elwan, Taher H. X; Akl, Usama; Elabwabi, Ahmed; ATM, Elshennawy; Agwa, RH; Shatla, Ibrahim M.; Zaher, Nasser A.

doi:10.21608/asjs.2024.337018

Harmony of Quality of Life and Emotional Well-Being: The Impact of Combining Conservative Breast Surgery with Minimal Reconstruction in Breast Cancer Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, KSA

² Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, KSA

³ Department of Histology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, KSA

⁴ Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, KSA

⁵ Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, KSA

⁶ Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Egypt

10.21608/asjs.2024.337018

Abstract

Introduction: To assess the influence of conservative breast surgery combined with breast reconstruction (CBSBR)
on the overall condition of breast cancer patients, as well as their quality of life (QOL) and levels of depression.
Patients and methods: The study comprised 50 patients categorized into two groups A and B who underwent
surgical treatment for breast cancer, utilizing either (MRM) or (CBS-BR) approach. All participants underwent
preoperative assessment of their quality of life (QOL) using The QOL Instrument and an evaluation of depression using
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3 and 6 months postoperatively
(PO).
Results: It was observed that all patients experienced a negative preoperative impact of breast cancer on their
QOL; however, they demonstrated gradual improvement with significantly higher total scores on the QOL Instrument
(QOL-BC) at 3 and 6 months postoperatively compared to their preoperative scores. The removal of cancer had a
positive effect on patients’ mood, which continued throughout the postoperative period, resulting in significantly
lower Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores and a reduced frequency of higher depression grades at 3 and
6 months postoperatively compared to their preoperative scores. There was a notable positive and significant
correlation between breast cancer and both QOL-BC and BDI scores, as well as a positive and significant correlation
between the scores of both questionnaires.
Conclusion: (CBS-BR) appears to be a safe and effective procedure for treating breast cancer, leading to subsequent
improvements in quality of life and a reduction in depression symptoms among patients.

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