Autologous Breast Reconstruction Using Latissimus Dorsi Flap after Mastectomy in Cases of Breast Cancer: Upper & Lower Egypt Mutual Experience

Abstract

Background: Breast reconstruction after mastectomy became well accepted and it is now an essential part of the treatment for breast cancer. The Latissimus Dorsi muscular flap is a versatile flap that is gaining renewed popularity for immediate breast reconstruction. Aims: We aimed in this study to offer our early Experience of using Latissimus Dorsi Flap in Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy to Egyptian women in Upper Egypt with cooperation of Surgical Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Egypt. Methods and Material: over 1 year period between January 2014 to January 2015, 15 patients underwent breast reconstruction using Latissimus Dorsi Flap, the age of patients ranging from 25 to 50 years with follow up period ranging from 6 to 12 months. Flap related complications, Donor site complications and Esthetic results were recorded. Results : The main indication to use the flap was dorsal donor site preference by patients. Neither total nor partial flap loss was recorded; donor site morbidity was mainly due to seroma, which was treated conservatively in all patients. Another two patients suffered from wound dehiscence in immediate reconstruction and 3 cases in delayed reconstruction. Indeed, the overall patient satisfaction was very high and good in immediate reconstruction. Conclusion: immediate breast reconstruction using Latissimus dorsi muscular flap proved to be a good option for autologous breast reconstruction with a satisfactory aesthetic result, low morbidity. Patients should be warned of the potential for seroma. Keywords: Breast Reconstruction; skin sparing mastectomy; Latissimus Dorsi flap; Breast parenchyma dissection; adjuvant chemotherapy