Abstract
Purpose: The coverage of the costs of reduction mammoplasty as a therapy for women with symptomatic mammary hypertrophy is being increasingly restricted by health insurance companies. In this study the effectiveness of the operation in Germany is demonstrated. Material and Methods: A validated s.c. MRP-questionnaire was used on 461 patients from 18 AWOgyn hospitals (Working Group for Aesthetic, ...
Abstract
Purpose: The coverage of the costs of reduction mammoplasty as a therapy for women with symptomatic mammary hypertrophy is being increasingly restricted by health insurance companies. In this study the effectiveness of the operation in Germany is demonstrated. Material and Methods: A validated s.c. MRP-questionnaire was used on 461 patients from 18 AWOgyn hospitals (Working Group for Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Gynaecology), which represents the largest survey on this subject to date. Results: The age of the patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty ranged widely (16-74 years). Symptoms included shoulder, back and neck pain as well as paraesthesia. Embarrassment and a lower self-esteem are the most common psychological problems. 99% of patients had attempted conservative treatment without any lasting success. Surgical treatment appeared to be the most effective treatment for all measured parameters. 77% of patients showed a complete relief of symptoms, partial relief was found in up to 95%. The use of medications decreased. The rate of complications and the time required for convalescence indicates that the quality of surgical treatment was high. Conclusion: Conservative treatment in patients with bilateral breast hypertrophy is ineffective. Reduction mammoplasty is effective for all symptoms. A cost-benefit analysis shows that it is highly economical for health insurance companies.
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