Sensitivity of breasts reconstructed with the autologous latissimus dorsi flap

The purpose of this study was to measure, both objectively and subjectively , the sensitivity of breasts reconstructed with the autologous latissimus d orsi flap and to compare these results with those of other reconstruction t echniques, especially the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. Th e study population included 50 patients with autologous latissimus dorsi fl ap breast reconstruction; these patients had an average age of 51 years and an average follow-up of 27 months. Patients answered a seven-item question naire that attempted to define the sensitivity of the reconstructed and opp osite breasts. This sensitivity was then measured objectively using standar d techniques for heat, cold, and tactile sensations. After statistical anal ysis, these results were compared with those published for other reconstruc tion techniques. Overall results were comparable or superior to those publi shed for other techniques for autologous breast reconstruction. A total of 56 percent of patients had fine or very fine sensitivity, but 70 percent de emed this sensitivity to be less than that of the opposite breast. A total of 94 percent of patients perceived die reconstructed breast as integral to their body image. The superior medial part of the br east had the greatest sensitivity, both objectively and subjectively. Autologous latissimus dors i breast reconstruction, a good technique with excellent aesthetic results, affords satisfactory sensitivity. This is yet another advantage of the tec hnique.