[Tolerance of latissimus dorsi without implant to radiotherapy in immediate breast reconstruction].

[OBJECTIVES] Rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy are currently increasing, leading us to evaluate outcomes of breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi without implant followed by adjuvant radiotherapy.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] From January 1999 to August 2013, 31 breast reconstructions with latissimus dorsi have been irradiated. Patients have been selected from a prospective database and contacted to evaluate outcomes of breast reconstruction, and 2 patients have been lost.

[RESULTS] Median follow-up was 6.5 years. Breast reconstruction outcomes were evaluated as very good or good in 86% of cases, with breast reconstructed consistency as very good or good in 93% of cases. An additional fat grafting has been performed for 58% of cases (mean volume transferred of 250 cc) and was associated with contralateral breast reduction in 32% of the whole population. IBR was judged as essential for 79% of women a posteriori.

[CONCLUSION] In our experience, latissimus dorsi has a good tolerance to adjuvant irradiation, and may be offered to patients willing to benefit of an IBR even if postoperative radiotherapy is scheduled.