The rectus abdominis myocutaneous island flap in breast cancer.

The use of 30 rectus abdominis flaps in patients with breast cancer is described. In 7 patients the flap has been used to repair the defect following ablation of recurrent disease or radionecrotic ulcers. In the remaining 23 the flap has been used as part of a primary reconstruction at the time of mastectomy. The technique is described together with the results in these patients. The cosmetic results have been satisfactory. The technique as described has proved completely reliable. Follow-up to 18 months has shown that fears of incisional hernias developing are unfounded.