Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Trends in implant breast reconstruction after mastectomy in China
By Shao Z et al.·2026·From the Department of Breast Surgery, China·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Shifting Practice Patterns in Implant-based Breast Reconstruction in China: Insights From a 13-year Large-scale Retrospective Cohort.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how breast reconstruction surgery using implants has changed in China over 13 years at a major cancer center. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 patients who had breast reconstruction after mastectomy (surgery to remove the breast) from 2010 to 2023. They found that more patients were choosing reconstruction, with the percentage increasing from 5.3% to 16.7% during this time. The study showed that a newer method called direct-to-implant (DTI) became the most common choice, making up about 73.4% of cases in 2023, and using a special bra during surgery helped reduce the need for additional operations. Overall, the findings suggest that advancements in surgical techniques and planning have led to better outcomes for patients undergoing breast reconstruction in China.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) has become the leading method for postmastectomy reconstruction worldwide. In China, growing patient demand has driven increased use of IBBR, but national trends in techniques and outcomes remain underreported. This study aimed to evaluate the evolution of IBBR practices and associated outcomes during a 13-year period at China's largest breast cancer center.<h4>Methods</h4>We retrospectively analyzed 6088 patients who underwent breast reconstruction at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from 2010 to 2023. We examined trends in surgical timing, reconstruction type (direct-to-implant [DTI] versus 2-stage tissue expander [TE]), mastectomy type, implant placement (prepectoral versus subpectoral), TiLOOP Bra use, postmastectomy radiotherapy, and unplanned reoperations. Logistic regression identified factors associated with DTI selection and reoperation risk.<h4>Results</h4>The proportion of patients undergoing mastectomy receiving reconstruction rose from 5.3% in 2010 to 16.7% in 2023. IBBR became the predominant method after 2015, comprising 70%-80% of reconstructions since 2017. DTI surpassed TE in 2023, accounting for 73.4% of implant cases. DTI reconstruction was independently associated with nipple-sparing mastectomy, TiLOOP Bra use, and prepectoral placement. TiLOOP use significantly reduced reoperation risk (odds ratio = 0.63, <i>P</i> = 0.03), whereas TE use was associated with an increased risk (odds ratio = 1.58, <i>P</i> = 0.039).<h4>Conclusions</h4>IBBR in China has rapidly evolved, with DTI and TiLOOP Bra use driving improved surgical outcomes. These findings support the growing role of surgical innovation, mesh support, and individualized planning in modern breast reconstruction.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41983163