Latissimus dorsi flap remains an excellent choice for breast reconstruction

Ann Plast Surg. 2006 Jan;56(1):31-5. doi: 10.1097/01.sap.0000186463.07617.6f.

Abstract

Latissimus dorsi flap has been unfairly relegated to a second option in breast reconstruction. One hundred consecutive latissimus dorsi muscle flaps (LDMF) with tissue-expander reconstruction were studied, mean follow-up 34.5 months (range, 1-175), 50 immediate, 50 delayed. With attention to a few technical details, excellent esthetic, soft reconstructions were achieved. Complications included 1 partial flap loss; 2 patients required inframammary fold revision; and 6 patients required surgery for capsular contracture. Donor-site seroma occurred in 34 patients; 6 required operative revision. Results were similar in the immediate versus the delayed groups. LDMF remains an esthetic, reliable, safe reconstructive choice.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Esthetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammaplasty / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / transplantation*
  • Necrosis
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Flaps* / pathology