MASTECTOMY WITH AND WITHOUT IMMEDIATE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION USING A MUSCULOCUTANEOUS FLAP

We compared surgical cosmetic results in 83 patients who underwent mas tectomy with immediate breast reconstruction (MIBR) using a myocutaneo us flap with those of 153 patients with breast cancer who underwent ma stectomy without breast reconstruction. Cosmetic results were signific antly better in patients who underwent MIBR than radical mastectomy or extended MIBR, although no intergroup difference existed in the recon structive technique. Neither did any difference exist in the incidence of complications between patients undergoing MIBR and mastectomy with out breast reconstruction, or between patients undergoing modified mas tectomy and radical or extended mastectomy. Finally, MIBR did not appe ar to adversely effect recurrence or overall survival. We conclude tha t MIBR using a myocutaneous flap is an acceptable treatment option for patients with breast cancer.