ESPRAS survey on breast reconstruction in Europe.
Giunta, Riccardo E Hansson, Emma Andresen, Carolina Athanasopoulos, Elias Benedetto, Giovanni di Celebic, Aleksandra Bozovic Caulfield, Robert Costa, Horacio Demirdöver, Cenk Georgescu, Alexandru
Giunta, Riccardo E
Hansson, Emma
Andresen, Carolina
Athanasopoulos, Elias
Benedetto, Giovanni di
Celebic, Aleksandra Bozovic
Caulfield, Robert
Costa, Horacio
Demirdöver, Cenk
Georgescu, Alexandru
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2021-03-30
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Abstract
Background: The European Leadership Forum (ELF) of the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS) previously identified the need for harmonisation of breast reconstruction standards in Europe, in order to strengthen the role of plastic surgeons. This study aims to survey the status, current trends and potential regional differences in the practice of breast reconstruction in Europe, with emphasis on equity and access.
Materials and methods: A largescale web-based questionnaire was sent to consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeons, who are experienced in breast reconstruction and with understanding of the national situation in their country. Suitable participants were identified via the Executive Committee (ExCo) of ESPRAS and national delegates of ESPRAS. The results were evaluated and related to evidence-based literature.
Results: A total of 33 participants from 29 European countries participated in this study. Overall, the incidence of breast reconstruction was reported to be relatively low across Europe, comparable to other large geographic regions, such as North America. Equity of provision and access to breast reconstruction was distributed evenly within Europe, with geographic regions potentially affecting the type of reconstruction offered. Standard practices with regard to radiotherapy differed between countries and a clear demand for European guidelines on breast reconstruction was reported.
Conclusion: This study identified distinct lack of consistency in international practice patterns across European countries and a strong demand for consistent European guidance. Large-scale and multi-centre European clinical trials are required to further elucidate the presented areas of interest and to define European standard operating procedures.
Citation
Giunta RE, Hansson E, Andresen C, Athanasopoulos E, Benedetto GD, Celebic AB, Caulfield R, Costa H, Demirdöver C, Georgescu A, Hemelryck TV, Henley M, Kappos EA, Karabeg R, Karhunen-Enckell U, Korvald C, Mortillet S, Murray DJ, Palenčár D, Piatkowski A, Pompeo FSD, Psaras G, Rakhorst H, Rogelj K, Rosenkrantz Hölmich L, Schaefer DJ, Spendel S, Stepic N, Vandevoort M, Vasar O, Waters R, Zic R, Moellhoff N, Elander A. ESPRAS Survey on Breast Reconstruction in Europe. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 2021 Aug;53(4):340-348. English. doi: 10.1055/a-1424-1428. Epub 2021 Mar 30
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Article