Abstract: With the development of breast cancer treatment mode and the changing attitudes of patients, reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy plays an important role in the interdisciplinary treatment concept of breast cancer. Because of the large area and the less variation of vessels pedicle of latissimus dorsi, it is considered to be an alternative flap for breast reconstruction. The latissimus dorsi flap can be used widely in breast reconstruction. Besides the implant-assisted latissimus dorsi (LDI) and autologous latissimus dorsi (ALD) flap breast reconstructions, the modified latissimus dorsi flap could be selected for various mastectomy. Compared with implant-assisted breast reconstruction, the latissimus dorsi flap can model a better mammary contour and receive better cosmetic outcomes on post-reconstruc- tion radiation. Compared with the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap, the latissimus dorsi flap has smaller scars and more rapid recovery. The improvement in postoperative donor area suturing techniques and auxiliary drug application greatly reduced the incidence of seroma. The Endoscopic technology avoids the donor scar. In clinical practice, statistical evaluation of aesthetic outcomes was impossible as an advantage in operation selection. This article summarized the control of complications and the further discussion of controversy.

Key words: Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, Breast reconstruction, Breast cancer