TURKISH JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2011 , Vol 26 , Num 4
Extended latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for breast reconstruction: analysis of 30 patients
Sıdıka KURUL,1 Hasan KARANLIK,1 Pınar SAİP,2 Seden KÜÇÜCÜK,3 Işık ASLAY3
1İstanbul Üniversitesi Onkoloji Enstitüsü, Cerrahi Ünitesi, İstanbul
2İstanbul Üniversitesi Onkoloji Enstitüsü, Medikal Onkoloji Bilim Dalı, İstanbul
3İstanbul Üniversitesi Onkoloji Enstitüsü, Radyasyon Onkolojisi Bilim Dalı, İstanbul OBJECTIVES
Over the years, the number of patients undergoing breast reconstruction has increased dramatically. Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is a safe and reliable technique for breast reconstruction.

METHODS
A review was performed on 30 patients who underwent expended latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstruction between 1989 and 2010.

RESULTS
All patients had modified radical mastectomy and adjuvant radiation therapy, and reconstruction was delayed for 10 to 46 months after mastectomy. Acceptable symmetry was obtained in 15 of patients without the need for surgery on opposite breast. No serious complications were observed both perioperative and long term periods.

CONCLUSION
This method of reconstruction has met patient expectations with minimal number of procedures and low morbidity. Also, in selected patients the latissimus dorsi flap together with onestage expandable mammary implant can provides a good alternative to a TRAM flap. Keywords : Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap; breast reconstruction