Latissimus dorsi transfer to restore thoracic malformation of Poland's syndrome / 中华外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the methods and points for attention of latissimus dorsi muscle flap transplantation to correct the thoracic malformation of Poland's syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 1995 to 2003, 10 patients were diagnosed of Poland's syndrome with absence of pectoris major muscle in all patients. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap was exposed and transferred through a vertical lateral thoracic cut and a short cut beneath the axillary fold. Reconstruction of the anterior axillary wall is one of the major goals to be achieved in this operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All of the latissimus dorsi muscle flaps survived. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved after 1-2 years of follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The latissimus dorsi muscle flap has a stable and reliable blood supply. It is an ideal muscle flap to restore the thoracic malformation of Poland's syndrome.</p>