Wide resection with latissimus dorsi muscle transposition in breast conserving surgery

In this study we evaluated whether the immediate transposition of the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) improves breast appearance and patient satisfaction after quadrantectomy. Twenty-three patients (transposed group) had the transposition of LDM immediately after quadrantectomy, but eight patients (non-transposed group) had quadrantectomy alone. For evaluation, breast size was classified as small (A or B cup) and large (C or D cup). Consequently, the cosmetic result was evaluated as excellent in 73% of the patients with transposed small breasts, but in only 25% of the patients with non-transposed small breasts and by none of the patients with transposed large breasts. On the other hand, all patients with transposed small breasts reported that they are satisfied with their operation, as opposed to 88% of the patients with transposed large breasts and 63% of the patients with transposed large breasts and 63% of the patients with non-transposed small breasts. It was concluded therefore, that the transposition of LDM is useful in correcting post-quadrantectomy breast deformity, especially in patients with small breasts.