Breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap: a comprehensive review and case series.

The latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) has gained popularity given its versatile nature and broad applicability in breast reconstruction. Its resurgence has been attributed to its ability to be enhanced using implant or high-volume fat grafting, rendering it a primary option for selected patients. The aim of this review is to tackle current indications and subjects of controversy regarding use of complete-autologous and implant-enhanced LDF in breast reconstruction. Also, a case-series showcasing the authors' experience with this versatile reconstructive option is presented. A search across Web of Science and PubMed MEDLINE from inception through January 3, 2023, was conducted. Articles reporting postoperative outcomes of autologous breast reconstruction with LDF were included. Regarding the case series, electronic medical records of patients who underwent total mastectomy and autologous breast reconstruction with LDF from January 2011 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on demographic and oncologic characteristics, and surgical characteristics and outcomes were extracted. Our review suggests that LDF is suitable for patients who lack alternative donor site, have a history of abdominoplasty or no access to microsurgery, smokers or obese. Latissimus dorsi (LD) harvesting has almost complete shoulder function recovery in the long-term. Thoracodorsal nerve division does not cause volume loss or animation deformity. Multisite multilayer fat grafting, beveling the edges of the skin paddle and fat, folding the LD muscle and plicating the paddle allow adequate projection and contour achievement. Our case-series included 234 reconstructions. Almost half of the patients had immediate fat transfer during reconstruction (51.3%). The rate of recipient site hematoma was 3.0%, seroma was 7.7%, wound disruption 32.1%, wound disruption events requiring unplanned procedures was 13.7%, and surgical site infection (SSI) was 12.4%. The LDF is reliable and safe for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction or salvage after reconstruction failure. Its versatility, reliable anatomy, easy dissection, and relative low complication rate have revived this modality as valuable opportunity for breast reconstruction in this era.
Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://atm.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/atm-23-469/coif). The series “Breast Reconstruction” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. OJM served as the unpaid Guest Editor of the series and serves as an unpaid editorial board member of Annals of Translational Medicine from July 2022 to June 2024. The authors have no other conflicts of interests to declare.
(2023 Annals of Translational Medicine. All rights reserved.)