Musculoskeletal Impact of LD Breast Reconstruction on ADL: Interviews

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The Impact of Breast Reconstruction using the Latissimus Dorsi Muscle on Function and Activities of Daily Living: In-depth Interviews with Women and their Significant Other

  • IRAS ID

    188195

  • Contact name

    Iseult Wilson

  • Contact email

    i.wilson@ulster.ac.uk

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    IRAS Project ID, 188195

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 8 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    While breast cancer remains the predominant cancer diagnosed in women worldwide, significant progress continues to be made in treating the disease, with up to 78% of women expected to live 10 years or more after initial diagnosis. Following mastectomy (surgical removal of breast tissue) several different reconstruction options exist for women with breast cancer. Breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle (a large muscle from the back) is one of the most widely used surgical procedures for women with breast cancer undergoing breast reconstruction. Conflict exists within the literature regarding the problems associated with this surgery. Previous research investigating the impact of LD breast reconstruction has mainly focused on body image, aesthetic results and wound healing with little in-depth investigation of the impact of this surgery on shoulder function. The impact of LD breast reconstruction on function and consequently on activities of daily living has yet to be fully understood and remains a major gap in the literature. There is a lack of qualitative research exploring the extent and impact of musculoskeletal dysfunction in breast cancer survivors following LD breast reconstruction. This research aims to address these issues through in-depth interviews with a number of dyads, i.e. two individuals: the woman who has undergone breast reconstruction surgery using the LD muscle, and a significant other, who will be identified by the woman. Participants will be recruited through Charities and special interest groups throughout Northern Ireland. The interviews will be conducted individually and will take place at a venue most convenient for the participant.

  • REC name

    HSC REC B

  • REC reference

    15/NI/0183

  • Date of REC Opinion

    18 Sep 2015

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion