[Musculocutaneous flap of latissimus dorsi in breast reconstruction. Results of a series of 163 cases].

One-hundred and sixty-three consecutive latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap breast reconstructions performed after modified radical mastectomy between 1982 and 1991 were reviewed. Patients were followed for an average of 4.7 years after reconstruction. Satisfactory result was obtained in the majority of cases. Surgery of the opposite breast was performed on 1/3 patients of the initial group. Peri-operative and long term complications, of which capsular contracture, are reviewed and appeared infrequent. Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction usually mit patient expectations, with a minimum of procedures and low morbidity.