title: Heterologous reconstruction and radiotherapy: the role of latissimus dorsi flap as a salvage.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The versatility and effectiveness of the latissimus dorsi flap as salvage in complicated heterologous reconstructions, especially with regards to radiotherapy, is examined in this retrospective review of our 10-year experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-eight patients with complicated heterologous reconstruction were divided into three groups: (1) 15 patients with mastectomy and immediately expander reconstruction and radiation; (2) 9 patients with previous QUART, salvage mastectomy and immediate expander reconstruction; (3) 4 patients with radical mastectomy without radiation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most common complications were capsular contracture and radiodermitis in Group 1, cutaneous fistula in Group 2. Recipient site complications, after latissimus dorsi flap, were observed in seven patients (five smokers), five in Group 1, two in Group 2. Cosmetic result was scored excellent and good in 25 patients (89%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows as a favourable and cosmetically satisfactory reconstruction can be achieved when combining an implant with a latissimus dorsi flap allowing the salvage of the entire heterologous reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cagli
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Manzo
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tenna
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Piombino
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Poccia
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Persichetti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057910:Implant Capsular Contracture / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000209:etiology*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D015626:Tissue Expansion