The Effect of Mini-Latissimus Dorsi Flap (MLDF) Reconstruction on Shoulder Function in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of mini latissimus dorsi flap (MLDF) reconstruction on ipsilateral shoulder functions.Materials and Methods: Those included in the study are the patients aged between 23 and 73, who were operated with the diagnosis of early breastcancer (cT1-3)N0). The first group includes the patients who had sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with partial mastectomy. The second groupconsists of the patients who had axillary lymph nodule dissection (ALND) with partial mastectomy. The third group includes the patients who hadSLNB and MLDF with partial mastectomy. The fourth group includes the patients who had ALND and MLDF with partial mastectomy. Patients’Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) score work model point were recorded.Results: 174 patients were included in this study. According to Q-DASH score, no functional change was detected in 69.5% of the patients, whereasslight functional loss was identified in 23.6%, moderate functional loss in 5.7%, severe functional loss 1.1%. In the comparison of Q-DASH scoresin surgery groups, while these four groups were being analyzed, a significant difference was determined (p=0.007). When dual analyses were made,it was also established that the difference resulted from the group to which ALND and MLDF were applied together.Conclusion: We conclude that MLDF application for reconstruction purposes after breast surgery has a negative impact on shoulder functions ofthe patients who had both of partial mastectomy and ALND.