Introduction:

Breast reconstruction for cancer, using the tissue expansion technique, is a technique that provides skin of natural color, texture and sensitivity.

Objective:

To characterize breast reconstruction with the use of tissue expanders at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology of Cuba.

Method:

A retrospective and longitudinal study was carried out in the Reconstructive Surgery Service of the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology of Cuba from 2013 to 2017. The sample of 93 patients was selected consecutively from the universe of patients. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests, estimation of the odds ratio and binary logistic regression, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.

Results:

Reconstruction predominated in women with an average age of 45.7 years, [95% CI (43.8-47.5) and standard deviation 9.0]. Chemotherapy was administered to 74 patients and radiotherapy to 41. Delayed reconstruction was performed in 51.6% of the surgeries, and in 72.0% there were no complications. Stage III cancer and the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy showed a statistically significant risk for postoperative complications.

Conclusions:

Breast reconstruction by using tissue expanders presented demographic and clinical characteristics similar to those previously described in the Cuban population and the rest of the world, although with peculiarities from the onco-reconstructive point of view. Performing immediate reconstructive surgery after neoadjuvant radiation therapy resulted in an increased risk of complications.

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