Role of rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in surgery for breast cancer.

Rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap has been used in four different therapeutic situations after mastectomy for breast cancer. These include (1) to obtain skin cover after radical mastectomy with liberal skin sacrifice for locally advanced cancer in 14 cases, (2) for skin cover to obtain primary wound healing in 10 cases treated by preoperative radiotherapy, (3) for delayed breast reconstruction in three patients and (4) for immediate postmastectomy breast reconstruction in 25 patients. Prosthesis was not used for breast reconstruction. The operative morbidity was minimal but 1-2 units of extra blood transfusion was required. Administration of adjuvant treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy was not affected. Reconstruction was satisfactory.