Simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps: a retrospective review of an institutional experience.

A single institution's experience in the simultaneous reconstruction of both breasts using bilateral latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps is presented. The procedure was performed on 24 patients by the attending staff of the department of plastic surgery at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston, Texas, between 1979 and 1999. Of the 24 patients reviewed, six had immediate reconstructions, 13 had delayed primary reconstructions, and five had secondary reconstructions of failed or unsatisfactory primary procedures. In the group with delayed reconstructions, the average time between mastectomy and reconstruction was 46.4 months, with a range from 7 days to 21 years. The operative method, results, and outcomes of our experience in these patients is presented.