December 20, 2022 – 07:16
The complete reconstruction of the breast with own adipose tissue is effective, safe and reimbursed from 1 January 2023
Research has shown that it is safe to completely reconstruct an amputated breast with your own fatty tissue. Furthermore, patients who have opted for this new treatment ultimately have a better quality of life than with other forms of breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction with your own fatty tissue will be reimbursed by health insurance companies from 1 January 2023, subject to certain conditions.
In recent years, a team led by Maastricht UMC + has been studying this treatment in a large-scale study called BREAST Try I & II. In recent years, researchers have published about this research in various scientific journals.
Breast reconstruction
For some women with breast cancer, removal of an entire breast is the best treatment. It also happens that women have their breasts removed preventively, because as carriers of a certain gene they have an increased risk of breast cancer. Until now there have been two methods of reconstructing the removed breast. First, place an implant or silicone prosthesis. But this method is not suitable in all cases. Secondly, there is a free flap method of breast reconstruction, such as the so-called DIEP flap. For this, skin and fatty tissue are removed from the abdomen and replaced instead of the chest. This method has the disadvantage that the operation takes six to eight hours and leaves a permanent scar on the abdomen.
Own fatty tissue
Currently available breast reconstruction methods have significant drawbacks, due to which some patients are unwilling or unable to undergo breast reconstruction. That is why Maastricht UMC+ has spearheaded research into a new third method: lipofilling or the use of one’s own adipose tissue. With this treatment, the plastic surgeon removes fat from, for example, the hip, thighs or abdomen and injects these fats into the chest. Lipofilling is already used to fill imperfections after a previous reconstruction or for partial reconstructions (of the breast), but complete reconstruction of the breast has not yet proven to be safe and effective.
Comparison
The researchers compared 91 patients who underwent reconstruction with their own fat tissue with 80 patients who received an implant. The first group had a significantly higher quality of life after the surgery, because they were more satisfied with their breasts, their physical well-being and the results of the treatment. Furthermore, there were no indications that rebuilding with one’s own adipose tissue was unsafe.
Compensation
Research leader and plastic surgeon Andrzej Piatkowski is enthusiastic about the treatment and the research results: ‘For many patients, good breast reconstruction after breast cancer treatment is invaluable. It is essential for self-confidence and quality of life. But it is clear that current methods are not suitable for all patients for various reasons. That’s why it’s a big step forward for breast cancer patients that we can offer this complete breast reconstruction with our own fatty tissue to a large group as a health insurance reimbursed option. ‘
Reimbursed from 1 January 2023
December 19th the Higher Institute of Health that the reconstruction of the breast with one’s own adipose tissue will be reimbursed from 1 January, under certain conditions. These conditions for the adequate provision of this care are set out in a “guarantee document”, which has been drawn up with the professional group of plastic surgeons, patient representatives and health insurers. An important criterion for receiving treatment is that the patient does not have or has not received radiation therapy.
Cooperation
The research is a long-standing collaboration between various centres: Alexander Monro Hospital, Rijnstate, Medical Center Leeuwarden, East Netherlands Breast Clinic, Amsterdam UMC, Amphia Hospital, VieCuri Medical Center and Maastricht UMC+. As the largest breast reconstruction center in the Netherlands, Maastricht UMC+ is the research coordinator.
Source: UMC+ Maastricht
Editorial Medicalfacts/ Janine budding
I studied physiotherapy and health business administration. I am also a Registered Independent Customer Service Representative and Informal Service Broker. I have a lot of experience in various positions in the healthcare sector, the social sector and the medical and pharmaceutical industry, nationally and internationally. And have broad medical knowledge of most healthcare specialties. And of the care laws by which care is regulated and funded. Every year I attend most of the major medical conferences in Europe and America to keep my knowledge up to date and to keep up with the latest developments and innovations. I am currently attending a Masters in Applied Psychology.
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