Objective To evaluate the value of extended latissimus dorsi flap (ELDF) in immediate breast reconstruction in patients with breast cancer after modified radical mastectomy. Methods Thirty-six patients with breast cancer who accepted modified radical mastectomy and 12 patients with breast cancer who accepted immediate breast reconstruction after modified radical mastectomy from January 2008 to June 2009 were included. The complications, cosmetical results and quality of life of these patients were compared. The shape of breast reconstruction was also evaluated. Results All of 12 patients succeeded in proceeding immediate breast reconstruction with ELDF. The evaluation of shape of breast reconstruction was good in 6 cases, secondary in 4 cases, and bad in 2 cases, which was beyond that in patients of radical operation group (Plt;0.001). There was no statistical difference in operation complications as hydrops, necrosis, affecting limb shoulder joint motion, drainage time, hospital stay, and starting time for adjuvant therapy between two groups (Pgt;0.05). The patients in breast reconstruction group had a better quality of life compared with the patients in radical operation group (Plt;0.001). In breast reconstruction group, 10 patients received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and no necrosis was showed in local flap grafting. After the follow-up of 2-17 months (median 8 months), no local recurrence and metastasis was demonstrated in two groups patients. Conclusions There are good cosmetic results after immediate breast reconstruction with ELDF, and it is easy to operate. It is a safe and feasible therapeutics method for early breast cancer.