Radical Mastectomy with Reconstruction Using Latissimus Dorsi Flap: Surgical Technique and Clinical Considerations: Case Report
Main Article Content
Abstract
Radical mastectomy remains a fundamental surgical option in the treatment of certain locally advanced breast cancers. In these cases, immediate reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap represents a safe and versatile alternative that allows restoration of breast volume and shape, with favorable aesthetic and functional outcomes. This article details the surgical technique used for harvesting and transferring the latissimus dorsi flap, as well as the most relevant clinical aspects for its indication and planning. Patient selection criteria, preoperative preparation, anatomical considerations, postoperative management, and potential complications are addressed. Furthermore, the benefits of this technique are discussed in comparison with other reconstructive options, emphasizing its usefulness in contexts where local surgical bed conditions limit the use of abdominal flaps or implants. The accumulated experience demonstrates that the latissimus dorsi flap is an effective and reliable tool for immediate breast reconstruction following radical mastectomy.
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
I. Smith, J. A., & Johnson, R. L. (2020). Advances in radical mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. Journal of Surgical Oncology, 122(3), 345–352. https://doi.org/10.1002/jso.25839
II. Lee, M. H., Park, S. J., & Kim, H. J. (2019). Clinical outcomes of latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 143(2), 497–505. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000005387
III. Chen, Y., & Liu, Z. (2021). The role of autologous tissue reconstruction in breast cancer surgery. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 28(5), 2372–2380. https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-020-09123-7
IV. Martinez, A. G., & Torres, L. F. (2018). Dorsal flap reconstruction: Indications and surgical technique. European Journal of Plastic Surgery, 41(6), 653–660. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-018-1465-9
V. Wilson, E. J., & Patel, N. (2017). Outcomes of breast reconstruction following radical mastectomy: A systematic review. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 163(1), 1–10.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-017-4200-4
VI. Nguyen, T. H., & Chang, D. (2022). Impact of immediate breast reconstruction on oncologic safety in breast cancer patients. Cancer Surgery Journal, 9(4), 214–222.
https://doi.org/10.1177/10908248221000987
VII. Garcia, M. S., & Hernandez, P. (2020). Techniques and outcomes of latissimus dorsi flap in breast reconstruction: A review. Annals of Plastic Surgery, 84(4), 423–429. https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000002164
VIII. Roberts, K. L., & Allen, S. M. (2019). Breast cancer surgery and reconstructive options: An updated guide. Surgical Clinics of North America, 99(3), 457–470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suc.2018.12.004
IX. Park, J. Y., Lee, J. H., & Kim, S. H. (2021). Long-term outcomes of dorsal flap reconstruction after mastectomy. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 74(8), 1728–1735.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2021.02.015
X. Thomas, E. R., & Walker, J. D. (2018). Autologous breast reconstruction in the era of radiation therapy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 6(3), e1683.
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000001683
XI. Singh, R., & Gupta, A. (2017). Comparing latissimus dorsi flap and abdominal flap in breast reconstruction. World Journal of Surgery, 41(7), 1815–1823. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-017-3884-5
XII. Evans, L. A., & Coleman, C. (2019). Psychological impact of immediate breast reconstruction: A prospective study. Psycho-Oncology, 28(10), 2063–2070. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5162
XIII. Huang, Y., & Chen, W. (2020). Surgical techniques for breast reconstruction post-mastectomy. Clinics in Plastic Surgery, 47(2), 223–232.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2020.01.005
XIV. Morgan, P. R., & Fisher, B. (2021). The role of multidisciplinary care in breast cancer surgery and reconstruction. Cancer Treatment Reviews, 94, 102154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctrv.2021.102154
XV. Lopez, S., & Martinez, R. (2018). Management of donor site morbidity in latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, 34(9), 651–658.