Evaluation of Early vs Late Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction for Breast Cancer Patients in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer remains the leading type of cancer affecting females in Egypt. More and more patients and surgeons are opting for breast reconstruction after radical surgery for breast cancer, partly due to more heightened awareness of the matter and partly due to more innovation in the techniques used. Aim of the Study: To compare the outcomes between early and late latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstruction as regards cosmetic outcome, complication rate and recurrence rate for female breast cancer patients in Egypt. Methodology: This is a retrospective analysis study. This study included 60 patients who underwent Latissimus-Dorsi Flap reconstructions for breast cancer in Nasser Institute Hospital and Ain Shams University Hospitals between January 2013 and December 2016. Results: This study found that, overall patients᾽ age ranged from 23 to 48 years with a mean of 35.38 years. The majority of patients (93.3%) had invasive ductal carcinoma while (6.7%) had invasive lobular carcinoma, with a cancer stage of I (36.7%) or II (48.3%). None of patients had silicone or other co-morbid conditions. About 73% of patients underwent Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM), while 27% underwent Conservative Breast Surgery (CBS) for their breast cancer. All patients have received adjuvant CTH while 68.3% have received the adjuvant RTH. No statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the age of the patients or the receipt of adjuvant RTH. Conclusion: Plastic surgery plays an important role in the treatment of patients with breast cancer. Breast reconstruction with LDMF is widely applicable and can correct almost all post-mastectomy defects.