Aims of the study: One of the most frequently used flap in breast reconstruction after mastectomy is the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. We present a novel method of sampling by extending the mastectomy scar back until the skin paddle. On the one hand, this technique facilitates the transfer of the flap in thoracic region, on the other hand, it allows for larger skin paddle and maximize new breast contour reintegrating the ear skin during the modeling.
Patients and methods: The data of 37 patients operated by this technique between 2006 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Cosmetic results were analyzed from photographs by a plastic surgeon who was not the operator.
Results: The results were highly satisfactory in 45% cases, satisfactory in 40% of cases, fair in 12% of cases and inadequate in 3% of cases.
Conclusion: The main advantage of this technique is to collect large skin paddle with a larger width at the ends through increasing opportunities for modeling.
Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier SAS.