Use of the tram and latissimus dorsi flaps in autogenous breast reconstruction.

Breast cancer has reached near epidemic proportions in this country. It is a devastating blow to the patient and her family. Refinements in breast reconstruction have aided greatly in alleviating this harsh attack on the patient's well being and femininity. Many modalities have been used in the past to achieve breast reconstruction but the use of autogenous tissue and immediate reconstruction have permitted the plastic surgeon the opportunity to regain the normal shape of the breast and at times even obtain an improved aesthetic result. We are still not able to obtain a reconstructed breast that has normal sensation and erogenous stimulation. Patients, however, are demanding more and more of their surgeons as they try to better adapt to their conditions. It is hoped that with the advent of new health care reform these patients will not be deprived of the meaningful advances that have been made to date in this field. To paraphrase a saying attributed to Tagliacozzi: "Our objective is not merely to stamp out disease but it is also to buoy the spirit of the afflicted."