[Covering of substantial loss of substance in breast cancer with local complications. Apropos of 57 cases].
On the basis of 57 cases, the authors report their experience in the repair of substantial losses of tissue caused by surgical resection of local neoplastic recurrences of breast cancers, in particular those situated in irradiated zones, and in certain cases by surgical resection of locally developing and neglected neoplastic lesions. Three types of operation are practised and the techniques involved in these are reviewed: Omentoplasty according to Kiricuta (35 cases), Musculocutaneous flap of the latissimus dorsi muscle (10 cases), Cutaneous and cutaneo-glandular flaps (12 cases). The choice of technique is based on the local conditions and the evolutivity of the neoplastic disease. The results obtained at the local level are then analysed in function of the lesions treated (comparing in particular irradiated and non-irradiated zones), the area resected and the type of operation chosen. Such an analysis reveals that the pedicled omentum flap, owing to its high trophicity, its ease of mobilization and its large size, constitutes the most reliable and effective technique in the treatment of extensive radionecroses. Less substantial losses of tissue may benefit appreciably from the use of a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap, characterized by easy mobilization and high vitality and providing a covering of quality at the cost of a relatively unobtrusive scar. The use of cutaneous flaps can be advocated only for small areas and should be avoided in irradiated zones.