Immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap and implant: audit of outcomes and patient satisfaction survey.
METHODS
A retrospective case-note study of immediate breast reconstruction using the pedicled latissimus dorsi flap with a silicone implant and a patient-satisfaction survey were carried out.


RESULTS
Fifty-four reconstructions were performed in 52 patients between March 2001 and October 2006. Major complications included capsular contracture requiring capsulotomy (7.4%); minor complications included donor-site seroma (20.4%) and superficial wound problems (13%). The average score out of 10 for the appearance of the reconstructed breast whilst wearing a bra was 8.35; score for appearance whilst out of a bra was 7.0 and overall symmetry was 6.6. On the basis of the scores, 16 patients were grouped as excellent; 15 as good; seven as fair and two as poor. Significantly, more of the patients without a contralateral matching procedure graded their reconstruction as good or excellent (p=0.024).


CONCLUSIONS
The pedicled latissimus dorsi flap with a silicone implant gives the majority of patients a satisfying reconstruction, without necessarily requiring a contralateral matching procedure, whilst minimising postoperative complications.
Venus
M R
MR
Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, City General Hospital, Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG, UK. matt@mattvenus.co.uk
Prinsloo
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018427:Breast Implants; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020034:Silicone Gels; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020034:Silicone Gels