Latissimus dorsi mini-flap after partial mastectomy: Ain Shams University Hospitals’ experience

Background
The breast-conserving surgery followed by radiation therapy has become the preferred treatment option for patients with breast cancer, over mastectomy. It becomes challenging to have good esthetic results after excising a large or a relatively large breast volume.
Objective
To assess the feasibility and safety and to detect complications of the latissimus dorsi mini-flap technique in patients undergoing partial mastectomy in Ain Shams University Hospitals.
Patients and methods
A total of 15 female patients candidate for lateral partial mastectomy were enrolled in this study. Demographic data, mass dimensions and place, operative time, blood loss, and early postoperative complications were collected, tabulated, and analyzed using appropriate computer statistical methods.
Results
The mean age in this study was 43.2 years, and the mean operative time was 244.8 ± 13.7 min. Of 15 patients, four (26.7%) had wound infection and four (26.7%) had wound seroma; no wound complications were recorded in the 1-month follow-up visit, which was statistically significant (=0.019). Of 15 patients, two (13.3%) had difficulty to return to the usual daily tasks and shoulder pain in the 1-month follow-up, but at the 3-month follow-up visit, none experienced difficulty to return to the usual daily tasks or shoulder pain (=0.002).
Conclusion
The latissimus dorsi mini-flap technique is a feasible and safe procedure for the reconstruction of lateral breast defects, especially after large volume excisions, with insignificant postoperative reported complications.