Comparative study of muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi vs breast implants following total mastectomy

With 60,000 cases per year, breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in France, and a quarter of these cases require mastectomy. Following the surgery, breast reconstruction can be indicated. Two of the available techniques are breast implants (BIs) and muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi (MSLD). The aim of this study was to compare postoperative complications of each approach and thus help the surgeon and the patient in making an informed decision before surgery.

This descriptive, retrospective and single-centre study was conducted in the Croix Rousse hospital in Lyon (France) between 1 July 2018 and 1 July 2023. It included women aged ≥18 years who underwent mastectomy followed by (immediate or delayed) breast reconstruction with MSLD or BI. Complications were recorded and evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo classification.

Over the course of the study, 92 patients were managed with MSLD reconstruction and 63 patients with BI. We observed a complication rate of 62% in the BI group and 39% in the MSLD group (odds ratio [OR]=0.16; p < 0.005). Body mass index (BMI) significantly impacted this rate (OR=1.11; p = 0.01), whereas smoking status and diabetes did not. No complication occurred more predominantly than others. A second surgery was required more often in the BI group (p < 0.005). There were no severe complications (>Grade 4).

MSLD predicted fewer complications and was associated with a shorter hospital stay compared with implants, suggesting that it may be a preferable option for breast reconstruction.