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.

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.

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.

Effectiveness of posterior intercostal artery perforator flap in repair of donor defect after latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transfer / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in repair of large complex tissue defects of limb and the relaying posterior intercostal artery perforator flap in repair of donor defect after latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transfer. Methods: Between January 2016 and May 2017, 9 patients with large complex tissue defects were treated. There were 8 males and 1 female with a median age of 33 years (range, 21-56 years). The injury caused by traffic accident in 8 cases, and the time from post-traumatic admission to flap repair was 1-3 weeks (mean, 13 days). The defect in 1 case was caused by the resection of medial vastus muscle fibrosarcoma. There were 5 cases of upper arm defects and 4 cases of thigh defects. The size of wounds ranged from 20 cm×12 cm to 36 cm×27 cm. There were biceps brachii defect in 2 cases, triceps brachii defect in 3 cases, biceps femoris defect in 2 cases, quadriceps femoris defect in 2 cases, humerus fracture in 2 cases, brachial artery injury in 2 cases, and arteria femoralis split defect combined with nervus peroneus communis and tibia nerve split defect in 1 case. The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were used to repair the wounds and reconstruct the muscle function. The size of the skin flaps ranged from 22 cm×13 cm to 39 cm×28 cm; the size of the muscle flaps ranged from 12 cm×3 cm to 18 cm×5 cm. The wounds were repaired with pedicle flaps and free flaps in upper limbs and lower limbs, respectively. The donor sites were repaired with posterior intercostal artery perforator flaps. The size of flaps ranged from 10 cm×5 cm to 17 cm×8 cm. The second donor sites were sutured directly. Results: All the flaps survived smoothly and the wounds and donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 10-19 months (mean, 13 months). At last follow-up, the flaps had good appearances and textures. The muscle strength recovered to grade 4 in 5 cases and to grade 3 in 4 cases. After latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transfer, the range of motion of shoulder joint was 40-90°, with an average of 70°. The two-point discrimination of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was 9-15 mm (mean, 12.5 mm), and that of posterior intercostal artery perforator flap was 8-10 mm (mean, 9.2 mm). There were only residual linear scars at the second donor sites. Conclusion: The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap combined with posterior intercostal artery perforator flap for the large complex tissue defects and donor site can not only improve the appearance of donor and recipient sites, but also reconstruct muscle function, and reduce the incidence of donor complications.

Natural History of Seroma Following the Immediate Latissimus Dorsi Flap Method of Breast Reconstruction / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Background</b>The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap procedure remains a popular and useful breast reconstruction tool in China and Western countries, and donor site seroma formation is the main complication. This study was conducted in Chinese patients to determine whether stable cases of seromas would resolve without treatment.</p><p><b>Methods</b>A.</p><p><b></b>retrospective review of 45 consecutive cases of immediate breast reconstruction with LD flap from April 2012 to February 2017 was conducted. The scope of the seroma was demarcated with a marker pen, and cases that remained stable over time (i.e. the size of the seroma did not increase) were observed without treatment. The measured outcomes included the incidence of seromas, the volume and duration of postoperative wound drainage, and other demographic characteristics.</p><p><b>Results</b>Twenty-four patients (53.3%) developed a seroma at the donor site. Of these, 21 patients (87.5%) did not require treatment, and the seroma resolved over time. The mean duration of a sustained seroma was 6.8 ± 1.4 weeks (range: 4-9 weeks).</p><p><b>Conclusions</b>This study observed the scope and progression of the seromas and found that seromas at the LD donor sites resolved over time without treatment.</p>

Pedicled latissimus dorsi flap for breast reconstruction / 中国癌症杂志

With the development of breast cancer treatment mode and the changing attitudes of patients, re-construction of the breast after mastectomy plays an important role in the interdisciplinary treatment concept of breast cancer. Because of the large area and the less variation of vessels pedicle of latissimus dorsi, it is considered to be an al-ternative flap for breast reconstruction. The latissimus dorsi flap can be used widely in breast reconstruction. Besides the implant-assisted latissimus dorsi (LDI) and autologous latissimus dorsi (ALD) flap breast reconstructions, the modified latissimus dorsi flap could be selected for various mastectomy. Compared with implant-assisted breast reconstruction, the latissimus dorsi flap can model a better mammary contour and receive better cosmetic outcomes on post-reconstruc-tion radiation. Compared with the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap, the latissimus dorsi flap has smaller scars and more rapid recovery. The improvement in postoperative donor area suturing techniques and auxiliary drug application greatly reduced the incidence of seroma. The Endoscopic technology avoids the donor scar. In clinical practice, statistical evaluation of aesthetic outcomes was impossible as an advantage in operation selection. This article summarized the control of complications and the further discussion of controversy.

Nursing cooperation of immediate breast reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap / 现代临床护理

Objective To summarize the experience of nursing cooperation for immediate breast reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. Methods Twenty breast cancer patients underwent modified radical surgery with intraoperative immediate application of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in combination with the same period breast prosthesis for breast reconstruction. The nursing measures included preoperative preparation and mental support, intraoperative active cooperation, position care, sustaining of body temperature and strict aseptic and disease-free technology. Results All the breast cancer patients lived through breast cancer modified radical immediate breast reconstruction. No flap necrosis occurred , neither did obvious complications. The operations were satisfactory. Conclusion The key to the breast reconstruction for the breast cancer patients exists in preoperative psychological nursing , intraoperative strict aseptic and disease-free technology , the proper operation position and the correct use of instruments and equipment.

Immediate breast reconstruction with extended latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap after nipple-sparing modified radical mastectomy in 61 cases / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective To investigate the surgical method and therapeutic effects of immediate breast reconstruction with extended latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap after nipple-sparing mastectomy.Methods From January 2008 to July 2014,61 patients with breast cancer were given immediate breast reconstruction with extended latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap after nipple-sparing mastectomy.Results All of the 61 patients obtained successful breast reconstruction without flap necrosis and serious complications.Followed-up from 12 to 78 months,all patients were no local recurrence,but distant metastasis was occurred in 4 cases and death in 1 case.The morphology of reconstructed breast was excellent in 93.4 ％ (57/61) cases.Conclusion Immediate breast reconstruction with extended latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap after nipplesparing mastectomy is safe,easy to master and has few serious complications.The reconstructed breast has a natural and beautiful appearance and improves the quality of life.It does not affect postoperative adjuvant therapy.Most Chinese patients can obtain breast reconstruction without implant.This method is worth to spread.

Anatomical Review of Latissimus Dorsi Free Flap for Oral Cavity and Facial Reconstruction

Flank Reconstruction of Large Soft Tissue Defect with Reverse Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Coverage of full-thickness large flank defect is a challenging procedure for plastic surgeons. Some authors have reported external oblique turnover muscle flap with skin grafting, inferiorly based rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, and two independent pedicled perforator flaps for flank reconstruction. But these flaps can cover only certain portions of the flank and may not be helpful for larger or more lateral defects. We report a case of large flank defect after resection of extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma which is successfully reconstructed with reverse latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. METHODS: A 24-year-old male patient had 13.0x7.0x14.0cm sized Ewing's sarcoma on his right flank area. Department of chest surgery and general surgery operation team resected the mass with 5.0cm safety margin. Tenth, eleventh and twelfth ribs, latissimus dorsi muscle, internal and external oblique muscles and peritoneum were partially resected. The peritoneal defect was repaired with double layer of Prolene mesh by general surgeons. 24x25cm sized soft tissue defect was noted and the authors designed reverse latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with 2110cm sized skin island on right back area. To achieve sufficient arc of rotation, the cephalic border of the origin of latissimus dorsi muscle was divided, and during this procedure, ninth intercostal vessels were also divided. The thoracodorsal vessels were ligated for 15 minutes before divided to validate sufficient vascular supply of the flap by intercostal arteries. RESULTS: Mild congestion was found on distal portion of the skin island on the next day of operation but improved in two days with conservative management. Stitches were removed in postoperative 3 weeks. The flap was totally viable. CONCLUSION: The authors reconstructed large soft tissue defect on right flank area successfully with reverse latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap even though ninth intercostal vessel that partially nourishes the flap was divided. The reverse latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap can be used for coverage of large soft tissue defects on flank area as well as lower back area.

Quilting Prevents Seroma Formation following Immediate LDMCF Reconstruction after Quadrantectomy

PURPOSE: Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMCF) is a commonly used technique for breast reconstruction following breast-conserving surgery. However, this technique has a high incidence of donor site seroma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of donor-site quilting on seroma formation. METHODS: A retrospective review of 95 patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with LDMCF from May of 2006 through February of 2007 was performed. Patients were divided into Group A, in which only a closed suction drain was used, and Group B, in which quilting and a closed suction drain were used. The outcome measures were age, body mass index (BMI), mastectomy volume, duration of drain, total volume of postoperative seroma, length of hospital stay, and incidence of postoperative aspiration. RESULTS: In Group B, the total amount of seroma, duration of drain, and length of hospital stay were significantly reduced (P<0.05). However, the incidence of postoperative aspiration was not different between Group A and Group B (P=0.06). CONCLUSION: The quilting technique reduces the volume of postoperative seroma and may help prevent of seroma after LDMCF.

Secondary Reconstruction of Mandibular Depression Deformity with Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap / Oral Science International

When secondary reconstruction is required in the head and neck region where a primary operation was performed before, it is important to select a flap which is not only suitable for the purpose, but also can be transferred more safely. In the present case, a female patient, 33 years old, complained of depression deformity around the left mandibular region. She had undergone segmental mandibulectomy coupled with radical neck dissection because of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the left submandibular gland 12 years ago. The deformity was thought to be mainly due to the deficiency of subdermal soft tissue. The insertion of a denuded and folded pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap into the submandibular space satisfactorily restored the depressed mandibular contour. The pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap can acquire a bulkiness by being folded, whose atrophy is tolerable for a long period, and is safe for secondary reconstruction.