Autologous Fat Grafting for Total Breast Reconstruction in Irradiated Breast Cancer Patients

One of the primary outcomes is the BREAST-Q "Satisfaction with Breasts" score at 12 months post-reconstruction. This validated, patient-reported measure (0-100 scale) as-sesses satisfaction with breast appearance and feel.

The second primary outcome measure is the incidence of major complications (i.e. complications requiring reoperation or hospital readmission such as hematoma, venous/arterial insufficiency, partial/total flap loss, and infection/abscess).

The third primary outcome is cost-effective-ness. We will collect detailed healthcare and societal costs per patient using hospital records, CRFs, and a study-adapted patient-reported iMCQ and iPCQ (for health care resource use and productivity loss). QALYs will be calculated from EQ-5D-5L data at multiple timepoints. We will compare cost per QALY (ICER) between AFT and DIEP, and conduct a budget impact analysis.

Physical Well-being: Abdomen (donor site), assessed using the BREAST-Q Reconstruction Module. Scores are transformed to a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better physical well-being of the abdominal donor site.

Incidence of minor recipient-site and donor-site com-plications (i.e. complications taking care of at the outpatient clinic) managed conserva-tively (e.g. wound problems/dehiscence, infection, seroma, hematoma, and abdominal bulging), and any general (systemic) complications related to surgery or hospitalization (e.g. pulmonary embolism, pneumonia).

Monitor and compare breast cancer recurrence rates using routine follow-up and PALGA registry to confirm AFT's oncologic safety.

Evaluate return of breast skin sensation at 12 months with mono-filament testing to compare sensory outcomes between techniques [in MUMC+ only].

We will assess post-mastectomy pain and phantom sensations using relevant BREAST-Q items or a brief questionnaire. For donor site function, DIEP patients may be asked about core strength (e.g. sit-ups), while AFT patients will be monitored for minor issues like contour irreg-ularities. Assessments will be based on patient reports and clinical exam.

Breast volume and shape assessed 12 months after reconstruction using 3D Vectra photography and the BREAST-V volume calculator (https://braflap.com/breast-v/, Sternal Notch - Nipple distance [cm], Fold Projection - Inframammary Fold distance [cm], and Nipple - Inframammary Fold distance [cm]) . Fat graft retention in the AFT group will be estimated by total grafted volume versus final breast volume. Standardized photographs (2D and 3D) will document cosmetic out-comes which can be assessed by a an expert panel.

We will grade radiation fibrosis/telangiectasia in the chest skin at baseline (just before recon) and at 12 months, using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) score (for radiation dermatitis/fibrosis). If AFT improves the pliability or vascularity of skin, we might see an improvement in grade (e.g. from CTCAE 2 to 1). If DIEP flap breast reconstruction brings fresh skin, the radiated skin might be partially replaced or supplemented. This is some-what subjective, but we will attempt consistent grading. Also, if any ulcers or non-healing radi-ation damage was present, we will see if healed after reconstruction

Physical Well-being: Chest, assessed using the BREAST-Q Reconstruction Module. Scores are transformed to a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better physical well-being of the chest.

Sexual Well-being, assessed using the BREAST-Q Reconstruction Module. Scores are transformed to a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better sexual well-being.

Breast Sensation, assessed using the BREAST-Q Sensation Module. Scores are transformed to a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better breast sensation.

Satisfaction with donor site appearance, assessed using the BODY-Q. Scores are transformed to a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction with the donor site.

Adverse Effects of Radiation, assessed using the BREAST-Q Reconstruction Module. Scores are transformed to a scale ranging from 0 to 100. Specify according to the scoring manual whether higher scores indicate fewer or more adverse effects of radiation.