The use of the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap following recurrence of cancer in irradiated breasts

The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap was used to privide chest wall coverage in 40 patients following mastectomy to treat recurrent cancer in irradiated breasts. Although the axillary region had received 50 to 55 grays, the neurovascular pedicle was never jeopardised, thus assuring vascularisation of the flap. In two cases, a small area of skin necrosis in the upper inner border of the flap was observed. Complete healing occurred within weeks. The authors advocate this fast and simple surgical procedure when the quality of the skin and/or the extent of resection prevents primary closure.