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Long-term patient-reported back and shoulder function after delayed breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi
Jonas Löfstrand1,2, Anna Paganini1,2,3, Anna Grimby-Ekman4
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Background:
Sacrifice of the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle might entail donor site morbidity when used in delayed breast reconstruction. Previous studies are small, have short follow-up, and demonstrate diverging results. The aims of this study were to evaluate long-term patient-reported effects on shoulder and back function following LD flap harvest, and to investigate predictors for a worse outcome.
Method:
This is a retrospective observational case-control cohort study. Cases were all patients who had undergone an LD flap reconstruction during the years 2007-2017. Controls were patients reconstructed with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap during the same time period. Participants completed two validated questionnaires; the BREAST-Q reconstruction LD domains and the Western Ontario Shoulder Osteoarthritis Index (WOOS).
Results:
A total of 135 cases (75 per cent) and 118 controls (60 per cent) responded to the questionnaires. The mean follow-up time was 7 years. Patients reconstructed with a LD flap were significantly less satisfied with their back and shoulder function when compared to the DIEP controls, as measured with BREAST-Q and WOOS. Predictors for a poor patient-reported back and shoulder function included axillary surgery and axillary radiotherapy, especially when combined, as well as higher age at reconstruction.
Conclusion:
Patients who have undergone LD flap for delayed breast reconstruction had a lower satisfaction with back and shoulder function, when compared to patients who had undergone a DIEP reconstruction. Delayed LD reconstruction should be used with care, especially in patients who have undergone axillary surgery and axillary radiotherapy.
