Latissimus Dorsi Flap Remains an Excellent Choice for Breast Reconstruction

In Brief Latissimus dorsi flap has been unfairly relegated to a second option in breast reconstruction. One hundred consecutive latissimus dorsi muscle flaps (LDMF) with tissue-expander reconstruction were studied, mean follow-up 34.5 months (range, 1–175), 50 immediate, 50 delayed. With attention to a few technical details, excellent esthetic, soft reconstructions were achieved. Complications included 1 partial flap loss; 2 patients required inframammary fold revision; and 6 patients required surgery for capsular contracture. Donor-site seroma occurred in 34 patients; 6 required operative revision. Results were similar in the immediate versus the delayed groups. LDMF remains an esthetic, reliable, safe reconstructive choice. One hundred consecutive latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap breast reconstructions with tissue expanders were reviewed. Complications included 34 seromas, 6 capsular contractures requiring revision, 1 partial flap loss, and 2 inframammary fold revisions.