A systematic review on embodiment and breast reconstruction: a patient-centered framework for evolving breast outcome measures

Embodiment describes the sense of one’s own body, encompassing dimensions of being, having, and using a body. Regarding breast reconstruction, embodiment can be understood as how effectively the reconstructed breast replaces the patient’s missing breast. While there has been increasing attention in recent decades on understanding and measuring embodiment in the prosthetic limb, there is limited literature applying embodiment to the context of breast reconstruction. We posit that the literature on prosthetic embodiment can be applied to evolving discussions on breast reconstruction outcomes and patient satisfaction. As breast reconstruction techniques continue to evolve, such as advances in nerve coaptation and reinnervation of the breasts, the concept of embodiment may help broaden the scope of how patient outcomes can be more holistically evaluated. This systematic review examines existing literature on embodiment after breast reconstruction, summarizes embodiment and its subcomponents, and discusses how embodiment can be a helpful framework for the future of breast reconstruction outcome measures.