Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on women undergoing breast cancer surgery and immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap and silicone implants

Abstract

The use of the latissimus dorsi flap in immediate breast reconstruction is a relatively simple procedure using a flap with a very reliable and consistent vascularity. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves local surgical conditions; however, most chemotherapeutic agents are cytotoxic and may increase the risk of postoperative complications. This study evaluated the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on women with cancer who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap and silicone implants. Data were collected from medical records of 102 patients with cancer who had undergone immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap and silicone implants from August 2010 to December 2014. Thirty-three patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (study group) and 69 patients underwent primary surgical treatment (control group). Three (2.9%) patients in the study group had a major postoperative complication (two cases of hematoma requiring surgical drainage and a case of flap necrosis), which was the only variable showing a significant difference between groups (P = 0.032). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by cancer surgery with immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap and silicone implants was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative surgical and clinical minor complications. It was associated with a significant increase in postoperative major complications, despite the small number of cases. However, patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a significantly more aggressive disease and advanced-stage cancer, and required a more extensive cancer surgery.