[The complications of radiotherapy for breast cancer and the treatment for radiation ulcer].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the effective treatment for chronic ulcer following radiotherapy for breast cancer and reveal the universality and severity of radiation-induced brachial plexus neuropathy.


METHODS
The TRAM flap, the local expanded flap or the delayed skin flap were applied to repair the ulcer wounds in 16 patients. Electromyogram examinations were used to evaluate the radiation lesions of the brachial plexus.


RESULTS
All the flaps survived successfully with satisfactory results except one, which sustained partial necrosis due to infection. Ten patients underwent regular electromyogram examinations, seven of them were found to have radiation-induced brachial plexus neuropathy.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiation ulcer following radiotherapy for breast cancer is often concomitant with brachial plexus neuropathy. These injuries presented a chronically progressive and irreversible course. Application of the flaps that have adequate blood supply can reconstruct the wounds effectively.
Li
Ye-yang
YY
Department of Plastic Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University Medical College, Guangzhou 510220, China.
Liang
Min
M
Wang
Jin-lun
JL
Jiao
Li-ren
LR
Huang
Jun
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000209:etiology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014456:Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*