Preliminary application of foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for repairing soft tissue defects in shoulder and back / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to repair soft tissue defects in the shoulder and back.@*METHODS@#Between August 2018 and January 2023, the foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were used to repair soft tissue defects in the shoulder and back of 8 patients. There were 5 males and 3 females with the age ranged from 21 to 56 years (mean, 35.4 years). Wounds were located in the shoulder in 2 cases and in the shoulder and back in 6 cases. The causes of injury were chronic infection of skin and bone exposure in 2 cases, secondary wound after extensive resection of skin and soft tissue tumor in 4 cases, and wound formation caused by traffic accident in 2 cases. Skin defect areas ranged from 14 cm×13 cm to 20 cm×16 cm. The disease duration ranged from 12 days to 1 year (median, 6.6 months). A pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was designed and harvested. The flap was divided into A/B flap and then were folded to repair the wound, with the donor area of the flap being pulled and sutured in one stage.@*RESULTS@#All 7 flaps survived, with primary wound healing. One patient suffered from distal flap necrosis and delayed healing was achieved after dressing change. The incisions of all donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6 months to 4 years (mean, 24.7 months). The skin flap has a good appearance with no swelling in the pedicle. At last follow-up, 6 patients had no significant difference in bilateral shoulder joint motion, and 2 patients had a slight decrease in abduction range of motion compared with the healthy side. The patients' daily life were not affected, and linear scar was left in the donor site.@*CONCLUSION@#The foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is an ideal method to repair the soft tissue defect of shoulder and back with simple operation, less damage to the donor site, and quick recovery after operation.

Pedicled latissimus dorsi flap in reconstruction of large soft tissue defect around elbow: An efficacy evaluation / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of pedicled latissimus dorsi flaps in reconstruction of large soft tissue defects around elbow.Methods:From January 2012 to January 2022, 12 patients with large soft tissue defects around elbow received reconstructive surgery with pedicled latissimus dorsi flaps in Department of Microreconstructive Surgery, The First Affliliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. Partial latissimus dorsi flaps were employed to reconstruct The soft tissue defects around the posterolateral side of elbow in 6 patients. Functional reconstruction of anteromedial soft tissue defect around elbow with functional latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap combined with biceps muscle dynamic reconstruction was performed on other 6 patients. All patients were males and aged 18 to 57 years old, at 31.4 years old in average. Causes of injury: machine strangulation in 5 patients, traffic accident in 4 patients, machine crush in 2 patients, and fall from height in 1 patient. Injured sites: 5 patients had injury on right elbow and 7 on the left. The size of soft tissue defect ranged from 18.0 cm×10.0 cm to 51.0 cm×13.0 cm. The size of the flaps were at 30.0 cm×7.0 cm-55.0 cm×14.0 cm. The wounds at donor site were directly sutured. Follow-up included postoperative reviews via telephone, WeChat and visit to outpatient clinic. Mayo elbow performance scores(MEPS) at the last follow-up were recorded.Results:All 12 flaps survived, and all donor and recipient sites healed at stage I. The follow-ups lasted for 3 months to 2 years for all patients, with 18 months in average. Three months after operation, 1 patient underwent additional surgery for flap reduction due to a bloated flap and poor appearance. Six patients who received dynamic reconstruction myocutaneous flaps achieved grade IV in elbow flexion. Six patients with lateral elbow repaired with partial latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap showed that the appearance of the flap was not bulky and had no effect on the flexion and extension function of the elbow joint. All flaps survived well at the last follow-up, with soft texture and colour close to the surrounding normal skin. All donor sites healed well, leaving only linear scars. Motion of all elbows was good. The MEPS at the final follow-up was(90.6±6.4), with 10 patients in excellent and 2 in good.Conclusion:According to the location of elbow joint soft tissue defect, different types of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps are used for reconstruction, which can achieve good clinical results.

Arthroscopic assistance of latissimus dorsi tendon transposition for the treatment of unrepairable rotator cuff tear / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore clinical effect of arthroscopy-assisted rotator cuff tendon transfer in treating irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCT).@*METHODS@#From May 2015 to May 2018, 23 patients with unrepairable rotator cuff tears were treated with arthroscopy-assisted rotator cuff tendon transfer, and 21 patients were followed up finally, including 8 males and 13 females, aged from 48 to 82 years old with an average of(64.3±9.1) years old;the courses of disease ranged from 6 to 36 months with an average of (14.0±6.4) months. American Rotator and Elbow Surgeons Score(ASES) and Constant-Murley score were used to evaluate clinical efficacy before surgery and at the latest follow-up.@*RESULTS@#All 21 patients were followed up for 36 to 54 months with an average of (39.4±4.4) months. Axillary incision of 1 patient was redness, swelling and exudation after surgery, which healed after 3 weeks of dressing change, and exudate culture was negative. At the latest follow-up, MRI showed partial tearing of the metastatic tendon in 2 patients, but pain and movement of the affected shoulder were still better than before surgery. ASES increased from preoperative (41.0±9.6) scores to the latest follow-up (75.6±14.0) scores, and had statistical difference (t=10.50, P<0.01). Constant-Murley score increased from (49.8±7.1) scores before operation to (67.5±11.6) scores at the latest follow-up (t=11.27, P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Arthroscopic assisted latissimus dorsalis tendon transposition restores physiological and anatomical structure of glenohumeral joint by reconstructing balance of horizontal and vertical couples of shoulder joint, thus achieving the stability of the shoulder joint, relieving shoulder pain and improving shoulder joint function.

Anatomical study of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap / Estudio anatómico del colgajo del músculo latísimo del dorso

SUMMARY: The latissimus dorsi is a broad muscle that originates from the inferior thoracic spinous processes, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest, and inferior ribs. It inserts on the inferior aspect of the intertubercular groove of the humerus through a thin tendon. The study was conducted on 10 cadavers (7 male and 3 female). These specimens were dissected and examined to study the gross anatomical characteristics of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The dimensions of the latissimus dorsi muscle and its surface area were measured in all the cadavers. The branching pattern of the thoracodorsal vessels was recorded. The pedicle length and caliper were measured using Vernier calipers. On the 20 dissected sides, the thoracodorsal artery was found to be one of the terminal branches of the subscapular artery that originates in the axillary region. In 19 (95 %) cases, the thoracodorsal artery terminated in a bifurcation, giving off a medial and a lateral branch. The average size of the elevated flap of the latissimus dorsi muscle was 18 cm x 36 cm. The average pedicle length was 9.5 cm (range: 5 cm-14 cm), and the average diameter at its origin was 2.5 mm (range: 1.5 mm-3.5 mm). The average diameter of the vena comitans was 3.3 mm. The current study focuses on the anatomical features of the latissimus dorsi muscle and its blood supply to increase the success rate of operations in clinical practice.

RESUMEN: El músculo latísimo del dorso se origina en los procesos espinosos de las vértebras torácicas inferiores, la fascia toracolumbar, la cresta ilíaca y las costillas inferiores y se inserta en el surco intertubercular del húmero a través de un delgado tendón. El estudio se realizó en 10 cadáveres (7 mujeres y 3 hombres). Estos especímenes fueron disecados y examinados para estudiar las características anatómicas macroscópicas del músculo latísimo del dorso. En todos los cadáveres se midieron las dimensiones del músculo y su superficie. Se registró el patrón de ramificación de los vasos toracodorsales. La longitud del pedículo y el calibre se midieron con paquímetro Vernier. En los veinte lados disecados, se encontró que la arteria toracodorsal era una de las ramas terminales de la arteria subescapular que se originaba en la región axilar. En 19 (95 %) casos, la arteria toracodorsal terminaba bifurcándose en dos ramas, una rama medial y otra lateral. El tamaño promedio del colgajo elevado del músculo latísimo del dorso era de 18 cm x 36 cm. La longitud promedio del pedículo era de 9,5 cm (rango: 5 cm-14 cm), y el diámetro promedio en su origen era de 2,5 mm (rango: 1,5 mm-3,5 mm). El diámetro medio de la vena comitans era de 3,3 mm. El estudio actual se centra en las características anatómicas del músculo latísimo del dorso y su irrigación para aumentar la tasa de éxito de las operaciones en la práctica clínica.

Clinical outcome of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap in orthopedic reconstruction

INTRODUCTION@#The latissimus dorsi muscle has been the “workhorse” of reconstructive surgery because of its predictable neurovascular anatomy and ability to perform both wound coverage and restoration of function. @*OBJECTIVES@#We determined the flap viability, complications, and muscle function (if used as muscle transfer) of our latissimus dorsi flaps for orthopedic reconstruction.@*METHODS@#This is a retrospective review of all cases done in the Microsurgery Unit of the Philippine General Hospital and The Medical City from January 2005 to present using the latissimus dorsi muscle for reconstructive surgery. All patients were followed-up for six months.@*RESULTS@#There were 14 patients who had reconstructive surgeries using the latissimus dorsi muscle. Three patients had traumatic brachial plexus injuries where the latissimus dorsi muscle was used for the reconstruction of elbow flexion. Eleven patients required coverage of a large defect, where seven were secondary to tumor resection and four were secondary to trauma. Of the fourteen patients, nine were pedicled flaps and five were free flaps. We had one failure (free flap group/tumor resection). The rest of the flaps survived completely. The smallest flap was 10 x 8 cm, and the largest flap was 28 x 24 cm.@*CONCLUSION@#The latissimus dorsi muscle remains to be a versatile muscle in the field of orthopedic reconstructive surgery.

V-Y latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for reconstruction of chest wall defects after local advanced breast cancer surgery: Report of 14 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To demonstrate the clinical effect of latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with primary closure in V-Y suture in the repair of major lesions in the anterior chest wall that was left after mastectomies with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) surgery.Methods:From September 2018 to February 2021, the technique was employed on 14 female cancer patients who had LABC surgery in the Department of Breast Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. The patients received radical mastectomies with major resection of cutaneous tegument. The defect areas in chest wall were 15.0 cm×15.0 cm-22.0 cm×35.0 cm. The sizes of flap were 12.0 cm×28.0 cm-18.0 cm×35.0 cm. The sizes of musculocutaneous flap were 12.0 cm×28.0 cm×2.0 cm~18.0 cm×35.0 cm×3.5 cm. All patients were entered the postoperative follow-up through out-patient clinic and telephone interviews.Results:The flap provided an efficient coverage in closing the defects among all 14 patients. Three patients presented small areas (1.0-3.0 cm) of superficial necrosis in Y-cross area of the flap. None of the patient had back swelling. The average operation time was 6.3 hours. Postoperative follow-up varied from 4 to 41 months(18 months in average). The colour, texture, elasticity of the flaps were acceptable, with good shapes. Function of upper limbs was normal in 13 cases without lymphedema, except 1 who had lymphedema of affected limb at 3 years after surgery. Eleven cases had radiotherapy after surgery with good tolerance. None of the cases had local recurrence of breast cancer. Five cases had metastasis, 3 cases died of metastasis.Conclusion:The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with primary closure in V-Y suture is easy to perform and an reliable and efficient technique in repairing large defects in the anterior chest wall left after a LABC surgery.

Post mastectomy breast reconstruction with autologous latissimus dorsi flap: a study of 30 cases

Background: There is a growing demand for breast reconstruction and among the plethora of breast reconstruction techniques, the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is a versatile, reliable means for soft tissue coverage, providing form and function with acceptable perioperative and long-term morbidities for a variety of breast defects. The aim of this study was to find out the advantages of immediate breast reconstruction in terms of postoperative morbidity and patient satisfaction with respect to her expectations.Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Vallah, Sri Amritsar. Thirty female patients who had undergone immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap after modified radical mastectomy attending surgery department from November 2017 to September 2019 were taken. The follow up was done to find out post-operative complications and a statistical scoring was done according to rating scale of quality of life.Results: Most common complication after breast reconstruction with LD flap was found to be seroma formation (50%) followed by wound infection and flap necrosis 25% each while flap necrosis >20% was not found in any case. For emotional feeling regarding health, social activities, overall health and quality of life; there was significant improvement after surgery.Conclusions: It can be concluded that immediate breast reconstruction with autologous latissimus dorsi flap is the treatment of choice following mastectomy in cases of breast carcinoma, whenever possible.

The axillary arch inserted to the coracoid process compressing the brachial plexus / El arco axilar insertado en el proceso coracoideo comprimiendo el plexo braquial

The axillary arch is a variant slip extending between the latissimus dorsi muscle and the pectoralis major. During educational dissection, a variant muscle was found in left arm of 70-year-old female cadaver. A slip muscle originated from the lateral margin of the latissimus dorsi and crossed the axilla obliquely. Therefore, we defined this muscular variation as axillary arch. It ran anterior (superficial) to the medial and lateral cords of the brachial plexus, and then it inserted to coracoid process. We reported this variant muscle and discussed its clinical significances.

El arco axilar es una variante que se extiende entre el músculo dorsal ancho y el pectoral mayor. Durante la disección educativa, se encontró una variante muscular en el brazo izquierdo de un cadáver de una mujer de 70 años. El músculo deslizante se originó en el borde lateral del dorsal ancho y cruzó la axila oblicuamente. Por lo tanto, definimos esta variación muscular como el arco axilar. Se extendió anterior (superficial) a los cordones medial y lateral del plexo braquial, y luego se insertó en el proceso coracoideo. Reportamos esta variante muscular y discutimos sus significados clínicas.

Unipolar pedicled latissimus dorsi transfer for elbow reanimation in traumatic brachial plexus injuries

Background: Brachial plexus injuries are troubling for the patients socially, economically and emotionally. Elbow joint being a large and vital joint needs to be reanimated so that the patient can carry out his routine work and bring the hand to the mouth. Number of procedures have been defined but latissimus dorsi being a large muscle is the muscle of choice for transfer in cases who present late. Bipolar latissimus dorsi transfers have often been reported but unipolar latissimus dorsi transfer has also been described. Authors have studied the unipolar muscle transfer, it’s surgical technique and results.Methods: In this study 18 patients were studied for demographic data, pre- and post-operative flexion of the elbow and the MRC grade of the corresponding movements. Diagnostic work up in the form of nerve conduction velocity, electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging were carried out and evaluated for their significance in traumatic brachial plexus injuries.Results: In this study 13 patients had avulsion of the C5-6 roots on magnetic resonance imaging. The patients presented after a period of 128.83±56.76 days. Substantial time elapsed and ruled out primary brachial plexus reconstruction or nerve transfers. The average elbow flexion improved from 6.67±5.69 degrees (range: 0-20 degrees) to 86.94±12.38 degrees (range: 65-110 degrees) following unipolar latissimus dorsi transfer. 12 patients (66.67%) developed M4 or M4+ power.Conclusions: Unipolar latissimus dorsi muscle transfer is a reliable method and most of the patients develop adequate strength and satisfactory function at the elbow joint.

Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tear in a Young Patient With Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Dislocation

@#Combined latissimus dorsi transfer, subscapularis repair and Latarjet surgery is rare and has never been reported. A 35-year-old man with chronic shoulder pain had a long history of instability of his right shoulder. The first episode occurred during a game of touch rugby followed by multiple episodes of subluxation. MRI was done which showed complete tear of the subscapularis anteriorly which was retracted and atrophied indicating a longstanding tear. There was also significant mid substance supraspinatus tendon tear. Patient then underwent two surgeries. The initial surgery found the rotator cuff to be irreparable with glenoid bone loss and only acromioplasty with acromioclavicular joint resection were performed. He then had a single stage surgery consisting of latissimus dorsi transfer, Latarjet procedure and subscapularis repair. A two-stage surgery can be avoided, and good results can be obtained provided that the patient undergo correct rehabilitation regime after undergoing a single stage surgery.

Vascular anatomy and clinical application of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the relationship between latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and blood supply, so as to provide a scientific basis for the re-division, transposition and transplantation of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. Methods The latissimus dorsi muscle of 48 cadavers were observed by anatomy and angiography. The clinical applications of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in 31 cases were reviewed. Results The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap had many sources of blood supply. The main thoracodorsal artery was distributed in the upper and outer latissimus dorsi muscle. The medial and lateral branches were separated steadily with their respective distribution areas. The inner and lower parts of latissimus dorsi muscle were supplied by intercostal and lumbar arteries. The anastomosis between them and the branches of thoracodorsal artery was obvious according to X-ray angiography. The caliber was between 320-550 μm. The blood supply of the skin superficial to the latissimus dorsi muscle was from the myocutaneous artery. But the anastomosis between the perforating branches was sparse and the caliber was small near the inner and lower parts. Myocutaneous flaps were applied for wound repair, breast reconstruction and leg defect repair after mass excision in 31 cases. Thirty cases of myocutaneous flaps survived completely post-operation. One case of myocutaneous flap had early signs of partial blood flow disturbance. After treatment, blood flow gradually improved and wound healing delayed. Conclusion The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap can be divided into 3 parts according to their arterial branches and anastomotic characteristics, which can provide the vascular anatomical basis for whole or partial separation, transposition or transplantation and preservation of muscle function.

Efficacy comparison of immediate breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery and modified radical mastectomy / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and cosmetic outcome of two methods of immediate breast reconstruction and modified radical mastectomy for the patients with breast cancer after breast cancer surgery. Methods The clinical data of 95 patients with early breast cancer in the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University from October 2014 to September 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into latissimus dorsi combined with implants group (27 cases), titanium-coated polypropylene mesh combined with implants group (18 cases) and modified radical group (50 cases). The differences of surgical data, postoperative complications and quality of life were compared in the three groups. The postoperative cosmetic effect of two immediate reconstruction groups was observed. Results The differences of drainage duration and intraoperative blood loss in the three groups were not statistically significant (both P > 0.05). There were statistical differences in the hospital stay and the postoperative quality of life score (both P < 0.01). The incidence of postoperative complications in latissimus dorsi combined with implants group, the titanium-coated polypropylene mesh combined with implants group and the modified radical group was 48.1％ (13/27), 22.2％ (4/18) and 12.0％ (6/50), respectively. And the difference between latissimus dorsi combined with implants group and the modified radical surgery group was statistically significant (χ 2 = 12.33, P < 0.01). The good rate of cosmetic effect in titanium-coated polypropylene mesh group was higher than that in latissimus dorsi combined with implants group, and there was no statistically significant difference [83.3％ (15/18) vs. 81.5％ (22/27), χ 2 = 0.025, P > 0.05]. Conclusions Immediate breast reconstruction including latissimus dorsi combined with implants or titanium-coated polypropylene mesh combined with implants after radical mastectomy on the basis of indications can improve the quality of life and the cosmetic results of patients, but postoperative treatment is necessary for the increased complications after the two reconstruction methods.

Use of Abnobaviscum to treat refractory seroma after breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap: A case report

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the rate of refractory donor site seroma, defined as seroma that persists for at least 3 months postoperatively, as the number of breast reconstructions using a latissimus dorsi (LD) musculocutaneous flap has increased. Various factors have been proposed to be related, including smoking, obesity, flap mass, and body weight, and several studies have been conducted to explore treatment methods. Typically, surgical treatment, such as capsulectomy, has been considered for refractory seroma, but in this case report, we describe positive outcomes achieved by using Abnobaviscum to treat three female patients who developed a donor site seroma at least 3 months after breast reconstruction using an LD flap.

Arthroscopic-assisted Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer for the Management of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears in Middle-aged Physically Active Patients

BACKGROUND: Latissimus dorsi (LD) tendon transfer is used as a treatment option for massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears, and recently, an arthroscopic-assisted technique was introduced. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer for the management of irreparable rotator cuff tears in active middle-aged patients. METHODS: The records of five patients (two males) with irreparable tears involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons managed by arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon's (ASES) scores, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scale, and ranges of motion. Postoperative integrities of transferred tendon were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging in 4 patients and by ultrasound in one. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 55 years (range, 48–61 years), and mean follow-up period was 20 months (range, 12.0–27.2 months). Mean VAS score significantly improved from 6.6 ± 2.6 preoperatively to 1.8 ± 2.5 postoperatively (p=0.009), mean ASES score increased from 67.6 ± 9.2 to 84.6 ± 15.1, and mean UCLA score from 18.0 ± 1.4 to 28.8 ± 8.5 (all p<0.001). Postoperative imaging of the transferred LD tendon showed intact repair in 4 patients. The remaining patient experienced LD transfer rupture and a poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer improved shoulder pain and function in patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears, and may be an option for this condition, especially in physically active patients.

Indications and technical principles of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction / 中国实用外科杂志

Latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps can be used for delayed or immediate breast reconstruction.It can be used in combination with the prosthesis.Latissimus dorsi flap combined with breast prosthesis is recommended for the repair of large local defects after mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection.For patients who can not use rectus abdominis flap due to abdominal surgery or abdominal diseases,latissimus dorsi flap is the first choice for breast reconstruction.However,the flap shouldn't be used if surgeons suspect any problems of thoracic dorsal artery,subscapularis artery or latissimus dorsi muscle.Comprehensive evaluation and aesthetic design are needed before operation.

Free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for the repair of head composite tissue defect / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical effect of free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in the repair of head composite tissue defect.@*Methods@#From July 2015 to April 2018, 7 patients with head composite tissue defect, which included 5 males and 2 females, aged from 10 to 52 years old were admitted in the First People′s Hospital of Yulin. The wounds were caused by various reasons 5 cases of head squamous cell carcinoma, 1 case of electric injury and 1 case of trauma. For tumor patients combined with neurosurgery to remove the lesion tissue, the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap were cut and transplanted to cover the wound immediately after the thorough expansion of trauma patients, and the donor area were closed directly or byskin grafts.@*Results@#The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps were cut with areas from 16 cm×6 cm to 28 cm×20 cm, 6 cases of thoracic and dorsal vessels anastomos is with the superficial temporal vessels, and 1 case of thoracic and dorsal vessels anastomosis with occipital vessels. The blood supply of myocutaneous flaps were good in 6 cases, and venous crisis occurred in 1 case on the second day after the operation. Postoperative follow-up was conducted for 3 months to 1 year. No tumor recurrence was observed in the tumor patients, and the wound surfaces were locally smooth.@*Conclusions@#The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is a good method for repairing the defect of the head composite tissue defect with big size and good blood supply.

Transplantation of lobulated free latissimus dorsi flap for repairing irregular soft tissue defect of shank / 中华显微外科杂志

To investigate the feasibility and clinical effects of lobulated free latissimus dorsi flap in repairing severe shank trauma with irregular soft tissue defect. Methods Eight patients with soft tissue defect of shank due to trauma were treated from February, 2013 to November, 2018, which were 5 males and 3 females. All wounds were irregular.The size of soft tissue defect ranged from 11.0 cm×15.0 cm to 15.0 cm×23.0 cm, with different degrees exposure of deep tissue such as bone and tendon. Five cases out of 8 were infected wound, 3 cases of which had internal fixation bracket exposed. Five infected wounds were firstly treated with negative pressure after debride-ment, then repaired with flap transplantation until the infection were completely controlled. Other wounds were re-paired directly after debridement. The free lobulated latissimus dorsi flap was designed and applied to repair the ir-regular soft tissue defect of shank.The lobulated latissimus dorsi flap with the outer branch of the thoracodorsal artery ranged from 14.0 cm×7.0 cm to 24.0 cm×8.5 cm.The lobulated latissimus dorsi flap with the inner branch of the tho-racodorsal artery ranged from 10.0 cm×5.0 cm to 15.0 cm×7.0 cm. When cutting the flap, the branch vessels should be protected to insure the continuity of the thoracodorsal artery. After spliced the 2 lobulated flaps, the thoracodorsal arteriovenous was anastomosed with the recipient region arteriovenous. All the donor sites were sutured directly. All patients were followed-up by outpatient and telephone regularly. Results Seven flaps survived well.Only 1 case of partial necrosis appeared at the distal edge of the lobulated flap and healed after wound care. All patients were fol-lowed-up from 3 to 30 months, averaged of 14 months. The texture of flap was flexible and the appearance was well. Only a linear scar was left in the donor site. The shoulder joint retained good mobility. Conclusion The lobulated latissimus dorsi flap has rich blood supply, concealed donor area and high survival rate after transplantation, which can flexibly repair the irregular soft tissue defect of the shank, and effectively prettify the appearance of the recipient area. This strategy has little effect on the appearance and function of the donor area, and worthy of promoting in clinic.

Application of latissimus dorsi flap and thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in different wounds / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the application and choice of latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap and thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in different wound repair.@*Methods@#From March 2012 to February 2018, 8 cases of different wounds were repaired with island latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap pedicled with dorsal thoracic artery, free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, or thoracodorsal artery perforator flap combined with scapular flap. The patients includes 4 cases of trauma, 2 cases of tumor and 2 cases of osteomyelitis. Among them, 5 cases received pedicled grafting, 2 cases had anastomotic vascular free grafting combined with antibiotic bone cement chain bead, 1 case had thoracodorsal artery perforator flap combined with scapular flap.@*Results@#All 9 flaps of 8 patients survived. The size of the flaps ranged from 22.0 cm×7.5 cm to 28.0 cm×21.0 cm. All the donor and recipient areas healed well. After 2 months to 2 years follow up, all flaps have good blood supply, and the limbs′ function was normal. The appearance of flaps were satisfactory, with fully treated osteomyelitis, and no recurrence of the tumor was observed.@*Conclusions@#According to wound characteristics, selective application of thoracodorsal artery perforator flap, pedicled or free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is effective for the repair of muscle, skin and soft tissue defects, as well as osteomyelitis, after tumor resection.

Total quilting suture at latissimus dorsi muscle donor site: Drain tube is no longer needed

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of quilting suture extent on the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMCF) donor site and the necessity of drainage.METHODS: Clinical data of 136 breast cancer patients, who underwent breast reconstruction using LDMCF between May 2014 and December 2015, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups. Group A: quilting sutures were performed on half of the LDMCF donor site and a closed suction drain was inserted. Group B: quilting sutures were performed for the entire LDMCF donor site and a closed suction drain was inserted. Group C: quilting sutures were performed for the entire LDMCF donor site and no drain was inserted. The duration of drainage, total drainage, length of hospital stay, number of postoperative aspirations for seroma removal, and total aspirated volume were compared.RESULTS: In the comparison of groups A and B, group B showed better results including the total amount of drained seroma, drain maintenance period, number of aspirations for seroma removal after drainage tube removal, total aspirated seroma, and hospitalization period with statistical significance (P<0.05). In the comparison of groups B and C, group C without drain showed no difference in all other variables except mean total drained seroma volume. Therefore, group C was superior to group A and there was no difference compared to group B with drain, even though the drain was not inserted.CONCLUSION: Total quilting suture at LDMCF donor site can reduce seroma formation and eliminate the need for a drain tube.

Pectoralis majoris fascia combined with serratus anterior fatty fascia flap in immediate breast reconstruction / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective To study the application of pectoralis majoris fascia combined with serratus anterior fatty fascia flap in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR).Methods 40 patients with early breast cancer were divided into three groups according to indications and their own requirements.11 cases got implants combined with the pectoralis majoris fascia and the serratus anterior fatty fascia flap as a biological membrance,5 patients got latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstruction,and 24 cases underwent simple mastectomy.The three groups underwent routine sentinel lymph node biopsy.The operation time,subcutaneous drainage volume,drainage time,discharge time,postoperative pain score,infection of incision and patients' satisfaction were compared between the three groups.Results The reconstruction that used implants with pectoralis majoris fascia and serratus anterior fatty fascia flap as a biological membrance had the shortest recovery time,and the least subcutaneous fluid,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The difference of incision infection had no statistical significance (P＞0.05).The difference of postoperative pain score and satisfaction had no statistical significance between fascia group and altissimo doris group (P＞0.05).Conclusion The technique of the prosthetic reconstruction of the pectoralis majoris fascia combined with the serratus anterior fatty fascia flap as a biological membrance is simple and safe,with small trauma,quick recovery and high patients' satisfaction,and can be widely used in clinical practice.