Measurement of breast volume is a useful supplement to select candidates for surgical breast reduction

TY - JOUR

T1 - Measurement of breast volume is a useful supplement to select candidates for surgical breast reduction

AU - Ikander, Peder

AU - Drejøe, Jennifer Berg

AU - Lumholt, Pavia

AU - Sjøstrand, Helle

AU - Matzen, Steen

AU - Quirinia, Anne

AU - Siersen, Hans Erik

AU - Ringberg, Anita

AU - Lambaa, Susanne

AU - Hölmich, Lisbet Rosenkrantz

PY - 2014/1

Y1 - 2014/1

N2 - Introduction: The indication for breast reduction in a public welfare or an insurance paid setting depends on the severity of the subjective symptoms and the clinical evalu-ation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of breast volume as an objective criterion to establish the in-dication for breast reduction surgery, thus establishing a standard decision basis that can be shared by surgeons and departments to secure patients fair and equal treatment opportunities. Material and methods: A total of 427 patients who were referred to three Danish public hospitals with breast hypertrophy in the period from January 2007 to March 2011 were included prospectively in the study. The patient's subjective complaints, height, weight and standard breast measurements were registered as well as the decision for or against surgery. Breast volume was measured using transparent plastic cups. Results: Cut-off values for breast volume were calculated based on whether or not the patients were offered reduction surgery. Most patients (93%) with a breast volume below 800 cc were not offered surgery, while most with a volume exceeding 900 cc were offered surgery (94%). In the grey zone between 800 and 900 cc, the indication seemed to be less clear-cut, and additional parameters need to be included. Conclusion: Breast volume can be used as an objective criterion in addition to the presently used criteria. Breast volume can easily be measured and has become appreci-ated by plastic surgeons dealing with patients with breast hypertrophy as a tool which facilitates their decision-making and patients' acceptance of the decisions made.

AB - Introduction: The indication for breast reduction in a public welfare or an insurance paid setting depends on the severity of the subjective symptoms and the clinical evalu-ation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of breast volume as an objective criterion to establish the in-dication for breast reduction surgery, thus establishing a standard decision basis that can be shared by surgeons and departments to secure patients fair and equal treatment opportunities. Material and methods: A total of 427 patients who were referred to three Danish public hospitals with breast hypertrophy in the period from January 2007 to March 2011 were included prospectively in the study. The patient's subjective complaints, height, weight and standard breast measurements were registered as well as the decision for or against surgery. Breast volume was measured using transparent plastic cups. Results: Cut-off values for breast volume were calculated based on whether or not the patients were offered reduction surgery. Most patients (93%) with a breast volume below 800 cc were not offered surgery, while most with a volume exceeding 900 cc were offered surgery (94%). In the grey zone between 800 and 900 cc, the indication seemed to be less clear-cut, and additional parameters need to be included. Conclusion: Breast volume can be used as an objective criterion in addition to the presently used criteria. Breast volume can easily be measured and has become appreci-ated by plastic surgeons dealing with patients with breast hypertrophy as a tool which facilitates their decision-making and patients' acceptance of the decisions made.

KW - Adolescent

KW - Adult

KW - Aged

KW - Aged, 80 and over

KW - Breast

KW - Decision Support Techniques

KW - Female

KW - Humans

KW - Hypertrophy

KW - Mammaplasty

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Organ Size

KW - Patient Acceptance of Health Care

KW - Patient Selection

KW - Prospective Studies

KW - Young Adult

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 24393589

SN - 2245-1919

VL - 61

JO - Danish Medical Journal

JF - Danish Medical Journal

IS - 1

M1 - A4760

ER -