Recent Progress with Breast-Conserving Volume Replacement Using Latissimus Dorsi Miniflaps in UK Patients.

Significant volume loss during breast conserving surgery(BCS)can be anticipated in patients with small breast: tumor ratios, limiting the use of BCS in womenwith smaller breasts or larger tumors. Early experience with autogenous immediate volume replacement(IVR)at the time of BCS led to refinements in the technique, extending its role in clinical practice. The evolution of the technique has been examined, with particular reference to tumor selection, technique and modifications, histopathological findings, and cosmetic, radiological and psychologicalsequelae. Between 1991-1997, 62 patients underwent BCS and IVR using a latissimus dorsi(LD)miniflap. Tumors(diameter 22[ 5-40 ] mm)were located in the upper outer quadrant(29)center(15)upper inner quadrant(17)and lower outer quadrant(1)of the breast. Operations lasted 129(80-245)min, resecting specimens of 144(37-345)g. Margins were positive in 8/62 specimens(13%)and local recurrence was recorded in 5/62(8%), 4 of whom had not received radiotherapy. One local recurrence was treatedby mastectomy(1.8% of whole group)and 4 were treated by re-excision and delayedradiotherapy. The cosmetic, radiological and psychological outcomes of the procedure compared favorably with BCS alone. Breast-conserving volume replacement with LD miniflaps extends the role of BCS without compromising resection, cosmesis or surveillance, and provides a furtheroption in the surgical management of breast carcinoma.