Abstract
Thirty four patients with breast cancer underwent immediate breast reconstruction following modified radical mastectomy between April 1989 and jaunary 1991. Of the 34 patients, 30 were reconstructed with latissimus dorsi M-C flap (group A) and 4, with rectus abdominis M-C flap (group B). The average age of the patients was 44.5, ranging from 28 to 58 years. In our previous experience with 28 cases undergone modified radical mastectomy without reconstruction, an average time of operation and hospitalization were 152 minutes and 19.8 days respectively. Those data, similarly, were 288 minutes and 20.4 days in group A, and 325 minutes and 26.5 days in group B, respectively. Regarding the hospitalization, there was no significant difference between modified radical mastectomy only and immediate reconstruction following mastectomy with latissimus dorsi M-C flap. Although flap infection in 3 cases and flap necrosis in only one occurred, no sequellae were caused by the reconstruction. Local recurrence and bone metastasis in each one case were detected after 14 months or 12 months. However, the reconstructed breasts did not interfere with the detection or surgical treatment for local recurrence. A questionnaire survey was conducted in about 21 patients over 6 months after the operation. Twenty patients answered that results were satisfactory, and 16 of 20 patients felt that the additional immediate reconstruction was necessary. From these results, it is concluded that immediate reconstruction especially with latissimus dorsi M-C flap should be recommended.
