Description
Oncoplastic breast surgery is now an established subspecialty interest within the framework of multidisciplinary management of breast cancer. The
recent introduction of cross-specialty oncoplastic training posts with Department of Health funding underpins the recognition of this type of surgery,
which is both innovative and challenging. Oncoplastic procedures combine the best principles of surgical oncology with that of immediate reconstruction, to achieve adequate margins whilst optimising the cosmetic result. Volume replacement following breast-sparing surgery using the latissimus dorsi ‘minif lap’ (LDMF) can achieve this in women who would be considered unsuitable for breast conserving surgery (BCS), either due to the size of the tumour or multicentricity.1-4 Furthermore, such a reconstruction does not preclude adjuvant radiotherapy to the breast, which can lead to poor cosmetic results when used after implant-based procedures.5 Careful patient selection and good surgical technique can preserve shape, size and sensation in the reconstructed breast.6
