323 reconstructions of the breast were carried out at the Gustave-Roussy Institute and were analysed in order to assess the aesthetic results and the sequelae of these reconstruction operations. The majority of the patients were operated on between 1984 and 1989 with a median follow-up of 3.5 years (1 to 9 years). Three types of reconstruction were carried out: simple prosthesis behind the muscle (P, 69% of this population), latissimus dorsi flap (G.D., 11%), or transverse rectus abdominis flap (TRAM, 20%). These reconstructions were either carried out immediately (RMI, 23.5%) or later (RMD, 76.5%). The unanimous enthusiasm of the patients for reconstruction was the greatest encouragement for us to continue in this way. From the aesthetic point of view the transverse rectus abdominis flap (TRAM) proved to be superior to the others. Scar and functional sequelae of the latissimus dorsi flap (GD) were by no means nil in this series (table 9) in contrast with other studies that have been carried out. All the same the majority of these sequelae were larger scars. The functional poor sequelae were minor. TRAM sequelae were less frequent and usually mainly in the abdominal wall. A more accurate technique should lower the incidence. As far as the timing of surgery is concerned, immediate reconstruction did not alter the quality of results which were better (but not significantly statistically). This has already been published. On the other hand patients were more satisfied with RMD (p less than 10(-4)). The analysis of this unexpected result show the great significance of psychological factors in interpreting these results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)