Significant volume loss during breast conserving surgery (BCS) can be anticipated in patients with small breast: tumor ratios,
limiting the use of BCS in women with smaller breasts or larger tumors. Early experience with autogenous immediate volume
replacement (IVR) at the time of BCS led to refinements in the technique, extending its role in clinical practice. The evolution
of the technique has been examined, with particular reference to tumor selection, technique and modifications, histopathological
findings, and cosmetic, radiological and psychological sequelae.
Between 1991-1997, 62 patients underwent BCS and IVR using a latissimus dorsi (LD) miniflap. Tumors (diameter 22 [5-40] mm)
were located in the upper outer quadrant (29) center (15) upper inner quadrant (17) and lower outer quadrant (1) of the breast.
Operations lasted 129 (80-245) min, resecting specimens of 144 (37-345) g. Margins were positive in 8/62 specimens (13%) and
local recurrence was recorded in 5/62 (8%), 4 of whom had not received radiotherapy. One local recurrence was treated by mastectomy
(1.8% of whole group) and 4 were treated by re-excision and delayed radiotherapy. The cosmetic, radiological and psychological
outcomes of the procedure compared favorably with BCS alone.
Breast-conserving volume replacement with LD miniflaps extends the role of BCS without compromising resection, cosmesis or
surveillance, and provides a further option in the surgical management of breast carcinoma.
Key words Breast cancer - Partial mastectomy - Latissimus dorsi miniflaps - Margins - Cosmesis