The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Breast Reconstruction Practices in the United States
Walter J. Joseph, Samyd S. Bustos, Joseph E. Losee, J. Peter Rubin, Carolyn De La Cruz
Abstract
Background/Aim: We employed a survey to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) to investigate the management of breast reconstruction across the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods: An electronic survey on breast reconstruction practice demographics, COVID-19-related restrictions on breast reconstruction, and pertinent dates of restrictions was employed. Results: A total of 228 responses were obtained. Demographics were balanced for geography with most respondents located in either urban or suburban settings (91.2%). The majority proceeded with mastectomy/reconstruction as originally planned (39.0%), followed by hormonal/chemotherapy only (22.6%). The most common reconstructive option was tissue expander/implant-based reconstruction (47.7%). Most institutions implemented restrictions between March 11-20<sup>th</sup> (59%). Almost all respondents (91.8%) reported mandatory pre-operative SARS-Cov-2 testing once cases resumed. Conclusion: COVID-19 has forced the breast surgical team to adapt to new conditions to the detriment of women with breast cancer requiring reconstruction. Varying restrictions have limited access to breast reconstruction, carrying consequences yet to be determined.