[The Postoperative Expansion of a Myocutaneous Flap of the Large Dorsal Muscle in Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction]

Background: Reconstructive breast surgery using the myocutaneous flap of the latissimus dorsi muscle with simultaneous insertion of a prosthesis represents a very useful procedure from a clinical standpoint.

Methods: Twenty-one breast reconstructions were performed using this type of surgery at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of the University of Udine between December 1993 and December 1995.

Results: Good aesthetic results can be obtained due to the relatively moderate functional and scarring complications, as well as to the vitality of the transposed tissue. The percentage of capsular contractures observed frequently in the past was lowered through the use of technologically-advanced prosthetic materials with a texturized surface.

Conclusions: In addition, since the reconstructed breast can be expanded postoperatively through definitive Becker expanders, aesthetically satisfactory results can be achieved even with contralateral ptosic and/or large breasts.