Implant-based breast reconstruction is the most commonly used breast reconstruction procedure in the UK accounting for almost 70% of all immediate breast reconstructions carried out following a mastectomy.

Best-BRA (Is subpectoral or pre-pectoral implant placement Best in immediate BReAst reconstruction?) is a pragmatic pilot randomised controlled trial of different implant-based breast reconstruction techniques that are currently performed following a mastectomy. Typically, implants can be placed under the chest muscle (a subpectoral implant) or placed on top of the chest muscle (pre-pectoral implant). Both are standard procedures commonly performed across the UK but currently here is currently no good evidence which implant procedure is best for patients.

The Best-BRA study will test whether subpectoral or pre-pectoral implant placement improves women’s satisfaction with the outcome of their reconstruction. However, first we need to find out if such a study is possible before we do a much larger definitive study.  We also want to capture how information about the study is given to patients. This will help us understand how research studies are explained to people and if there are any improvements we can make.

Initially, we plan to recruit a small number of hospital sites across the UK to take part to determine whether it is possible to recruit women into the study. Recruitment will start in September 2021 for 18 months and the study will run for 2 years in total.

For further details about Best-BRA, please visit our website here.

IRAS Project ID: 279460

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