Breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and silicone implant in the single lateral decubitus position: systematization and case series

Introduction: Breast cancer is an important public health condition, and its surgical treatment and the subsequent breast reconstruction has evolved significantly over time. The use of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) with silicone breast implants is a mainstay of plastic surgeons due to the anatomical reliability and safety. Performing this surgery in the single lateral decubitus position makes the procedure shorter and maintains the results of the conventional technique. The objective of this study was to present a systematization of this surgery from a series of cases. Method: Retrospective study using medical records and photographic documentation of 29 patients operated on by the author and submitted to breast reconstruction with a LDMF and silicone implant in a lateral decubitus position. Results: Silicone implant extrusion due to seroma and infection at the receptor site was noted in one patient (3.5%). One patient had a seroma on the back (3.5%); there was one patient with partial necrosis of the skin island of the flap (3.5%), and two patients with mastectomy skin envelope (7.0%). One patient required removal of the silicone implant due to extensive local recurrence (3.5%) while another patient showed Baker III capsular contracture after adjuvant radiotherapy (3.5%). Four patients had scar review (14%), and three patients showed limitation of movement (10.5%). The results were comparable to those reported for the conventional technique. Conclusion: The systematization of this technique requires no change of the decubitus position and makes the procedure shorter, while maintaining safety and reliability