Short-Scar Latissimus Dorsi With a Lateral Approach: A Game Changer in Breast Reconstruction?

In delayed breast reconstruction, the thoraco-mammary cutaneous tissue often shows residual damage from radiotherapy. The fragility of this tissue is associated with a risk of skin necroses of approximately 8% when dissection is performed by reopening of the mastectomy scar.

The objective of this study was to adapt the technique of short-scar latissimus dorsi flap surgery with an abdominal advancement flap employing a lateral approach only avoiding re-incision of the mastectomy scar.

In this retrospective study, the authors performed 150 reconstructions in 146 patients to assess the safety and effectiveness of the short-scar latissimus dorsi technique with lateral approach. The primary outcome was the occurrence of postoperative skin necrosis of the thoraco-mammary area.

Of the 150 delayed breast reconstruction procedures performed, none showed skin necrosis of the thoraco-mammary area, and a positive effect on skin trophicity of this area was observed. The resulting patient and surgical team satisfaction were very favorable.

In the authors' practice, this technique changed their paradigm because of good skin safety and effectiveness. It allows reconstruction without a patch-effect in patients with very poor skin quality in whom the thoraco-mammary skin would have been replaced in the past by a skin paddle. Reconstruction would have even be contraindicated. It could also be an alternative to many other more complex and longer techniques of autologous reconstruction.