Michigan Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study

The Michigan Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study (MBROS) is a six-year study of multiple aspects of breast reconstruction outcomes. The study began in August of 1994 and will continue through June of 2000. During the lifetime of the study, MBROS has assessed a total of 397 actively participating patients from 11 medical centers in the U.S. and Canada. Patients are followed for two years from the date of their breast reconstruction surgeries to determine long-term outcomes of breast reconstruction. MBROS is supported by a grant from the Department of Defense, United States Army Medical Research and Material Command, DAMD 17-94-J-4044.

To date, studies have been completed on the following topics:

• Psychosocial outcomes of breast reconstruction.
• Psychosocial outcomes of breast reconstruction by timing of reconstruction (immediate vs. delayed).
• Psychosocial outcomes of breast reconstruction by procedure type (implants vs. pedicle TRAMs vs. free TRAMs).
• General patient satisfaction by procedure type (implants vs. pedicle TRAMs vs. free TRAMs).
• Patient satisfaction with aesthetic results by procedure type (implants vs. pedicle TRAMs vs. free TRAMs).
• Objective, computerized assessments of symmetry of breast reconstruction results by procedure type (implants vs. pedicle TRAMs vs. free TRAMs).
• Physical functioning one year after surgery by procedure type (implants vs. pedicle TRAMs vs. free TRAMs).
• Mammography after TRAM flap reconstruction.

Participating medical centers include:

Michigan:

• University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ypsilanti, Michigan
• Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
• St. Mary's Hospital/Butterworth/Blodgett, Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan
• William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan
• Providence/Sinai Hospitals, West Bloomfield, Michigan
• Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

Louisiana:

• Ochsner Clinic, Ochsner Therapy Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

Pennsylvania:

• Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania

Canada:

• Etobichoke Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario

MBROS Publications:

1. Cederna P, Wilkins EG, Lowery JC, Perkins AJ. Prospective analysis of psychosocial outcomes in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Surgical Forum 1997; 47:607-609.
2. Lowery JC, Wilkins EG, Kuzon WM. Analysis of instruments for assessment of aesthetic outcomes in breast reconstruction. Annals of Plastic Surgery 1996; 36:601-607.
3. Wilkins EG, Lowery JC, Smith DJ. Outcomes research: a primer for plastic surgeons. Annals of Plastic Surgery 1996; 37:1-11.
4. Wilkins EG, Lowery JC, Kuzon WM, Perkins A. Functional outcomes in postmastectomy breast reconstruction: preliminary results of the Michigan Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study. Surgical Forum 1997; 48: 609-612.

For more information about the Michigan Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study, contact:

Dr. Edwin Wilkins 2130 Taubman Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-3040
ewilkins@umich.edu