Indications and complications of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps in oncologic breast surgery

The use of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) in reconstructive breast surgery is well documented. Few reports exist of its use in oncologic breast surgery. This series describes indications and complications of the LDMF in locally advanced cancer. The records of 83 patients were analysed for age and sex, menstrual status, stage, indication, margins of resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, complications, and survival. The indication was to cover defects caused by resection of locally advanced breast cancer (67 cases), recurrent breast cancer (13 cases), radiation damage (2 cases), and surgical complications (1 case). The mean age of the patients was 50.2 years; 52% were postmenopausal. The flaps had mean diameters of 32 by 14 cm. The donor site was skin grafted. Clear margins were achieved in 83%. At the LDMF insertion site, wound infection required drainage in 1 case; flap necrosis required reintervention in 7 cases. In 2 cases a second skin graft was done for the LDMF donor site. The proportions of wound infections and incomplete skin graft take were significantly greater in patients receiving preoperative cyclophosphamide/methotrexate/5-fluorouracil (CMF) versus cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/5-fluorouracil (CAF) chemotherapy (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The late complication rate was 7.2%. The mean follow-up is 40.0 months. The complication rates for CMF versus CAF chemotherapy suggest an adverse effect of methotrexate, which warrants further investigation. The use of the LDMF made wide resection of locally advanced lesions and radionecrosis possible; major complications were rare. LDMF has its place in the armamentarium of the surgeon who regularly sees locally advanced breast cancer.