Annelotte van Bommel

101 Clinicians’ opinion on immediate breast reconstruction Questionnaire The survey consistedof 35 questions divided in three sections. First, the respondents’ demographic information was asked. In the second section the provision of preoperative information to patients about IBR or delayed reconstruction, possible complications, expected esthetic outcomes and reconstructive techniques was investigated. Finally, respondents were asked about their personal opinion towards contra-indications such as patient characteristics, tumor characteristics and neo- adjuvant or adjuvant treatments. If one responded positively on a specific contra- indication, a drop-down menu opened asking for which specific reconstruction technique and for which sub-group of patients the contra-indication was applicable (for example, age below 35, age 35–55, age 56–75, age >75). Contra-indications were chosen based on evidence in current literature and expert-based opinions. We decided not to include delayed breast reconstruction in the questionnaire, as we believe that treatment approaches and the patient population may be different compared to patients receiving IBR. Members of the scientific committee of the NBCA reviewed and piloted the survey. The survey was administered anonymously with the use of SurveyMonkey, an online secure web-based database. 25 None of the respondents received an offer for an incentive for completion of the survey. Statistical analysis Demographic characteristics of the respondents were analyzed for surgical oncologists and plastic surgical oncologists separately. Next, the information provided to patients by surgical oncologists and plastic surgeons was evaluated. Reconstructive techniques were divided into three categories: implant reconstruction, autologous reconstruction, or combination of both implant and autologous reconstruction. The opinions about potential contra-indications per reconstructive technique reported by the respondents were categorized and results of surgical oncologists and plastic surgeons were compared. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0 (IBM-SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL). 6