ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: This case report describes the successful use of a latissimus dorsi muscle flap attached to the femoral vessels to cover a large mass loss in a 27-year-old woman with bladder exstrophy. The two-stage reconstruction showed excellent results six months after surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old woman with bladder exstrophy and previous enterocystoplasty with Mitrofanoff-type urinary diversion combined with a late fascial flap presented 10 years later with disembowelment near the pubic symphysis. A two-stage reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi flap and polypropylene mesh was performed with excellent aesthetic and functional results. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The latissimus dorsi muscle flap, described by J.M. Servant in 1984 as the "apple turnover" technique, is highly reliable for reconstructing large substance losses with minimal functional sequelae. The procedure in this case resulted in very satisfactory aesthetic and functional results at six months postoperatively. This approach provided a safe and effective technique of last resort. CONCLUSION: the two-stage latissimus dorsi flap technique was a reliable, safe and effective solution for this complex reconstructive challenge.
ABSTRACT
Schwannomas are the most common benign tumors of the peripheral nerves, but represents only 5%-8% of all soft tissue tumors. Their diagnosis is usually delayed due to their slow growth and the nervous adaptation to their increased volume. Ultrasound sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images usually ease the diagnosis. Correct enucleation offers very good postoperative outcomes and avoids recurrences. We report an unusual case of schwannoma of the radial nerve (RN) that remained asymptomatic for one year and a half, and treated well, had good outcomes.
