Breast-saving therapy and primary reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap combined with radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE: The use of latissimus-dorsi-flap with postoperative radiotherapy is method of choice in primary reconstruction of breast cancer. The efforts of radiotherapy on flap healing, cosmetic results and formation of edema in the arm were studied in 30 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 patients were followed in three to six months intervals clinically and sonographically (ATL-Ultramark 9, HDI). RESULTS: The most frequent symptom was a moderate edema. No healing problems or interference with cosmetic results were observed. Blood flow in the thoraco-dorsal vessels showed unchanged pre- and postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The complains might be the consequence of the combination of surgical dissection of the axilla, radiotherapy and possible additional factors such as trauma and overstress for example. Cosmetic result and healing seems to be impaired by 50 to 60 gy.