Transposition of myocutaneous flaps in breast reconstruction following radical mastectomy: latissimus dorsi vs. rectus abdominis flap

We evaluated two homogeneous groups of patients (20 each) who had undergone radical mastectomy and who underwent breast reconstruction in our department by transposition of a latissimus dorsi or of a rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. The results achieved were very similar (in terms of postoperative hospitalization, complication rate, thoracic symmetry). We therefore believe that both these techniques should be considered as first choice in breast reconstruction following radical mastectomy. However, from the aesthetic viewpoint, the use of the latissimus dorsi is best suited to tall, slim patients, whereas the rectus abdominis allows us to obtain better results in patients of sturdy build, with a voluminous residual breast.