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Study Highlights Importance of Decision Analysis in Breast Reconstruction Most women who have breast cancer have some kind of surgery - breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy. Women who have had mastectomy may opt to undergo breast reconstruction surgery to restore breast contour. An article published in the October issue of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryŽ, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), discusses the importance of decision analysis techniques in evaluating options for breast reconstruction. The researchers feel that decision analytics would “help surgeons and patients evaluate alternatives for breast reconstruction -- leading to a "good decision" that reflects the woman's preferences and values�.
What is decision analysis? Widely used in business, decision analysis is the use of logical methods for improved decision-making. It comes in useful under conditions of uncertainty, when there are multiple objectives and in many other scenarios where there are many alternatives and the right option has to be chosen. The new study highlights the possibilities that decision analysis offers in medical decision making and says that plastic surgeons can use it to help women navigate
www.drseanboutros.com decisions about breast reconstruction after mastectomy. It is a comprehensive, iterative process that includes recognizing alternatives, getting information about the uncertainty of outcomes, and clarifying preferences and values. Women who consider reconstruction after breast cancer surgery are often confused and find it really challenging to make the right decisions about many things, even as they deal with the trauma of being diagnosed with cancer. They have to decide about whether to have immediate or delayed reconstruction, or to use implants or their own tissue for the procedure. They have to live with the results of the choices they make. It is here that decision analytics can play an important role. They can get information about the available breast reconstruction options and the probable results/events that can follow from the surgeon. This can include the need for repeated surgeries, possible risks and complications, and aesthetic outcomes. The surgeon then has to assign values to the possible outcomes based on the patient's preferences. The alternatives available, the possible outcomes, and the values assigned to each outcome can be then used to construct a “decision tree.” The result would be a good decision reflecting the patient’s preferences and values. According to the researchers, "Decision analysis provides structure for methodic, thoughtful decision-making through the use of reason, logic, and mathematics.” Using this technique will ease worry, safeguard against regret in making the wrong decision, and provide a sense of certainty and peace in this difficult decision making scenario.
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