Complications of breast reconstruction.

The authors discuss general complications of breast reconstruction, complications associated with reconstruction with subcutaneous or submuscular prostheses, complications of latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps, and complications of transverse abdominal island flaps. Although no surgeon can expect to perform a series of complex yet delicate operations such as breast reconstructions and escape the complications described, it is hoped that by utilizing sound judgment in patient and procedure selection and having detailed knowledge of the procedure to be performed, such complications can be kept to a minimum and managed to a satisfactory resolution if and when they do occur.