• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.487-490
• /
• 2008

Purpose: The latissimus dorsi flap and the serratus anterior flap have been used as combined flaps to reconstruct extensive defects. Because these two muscles are usually supplied by the subscapular-thoracodorsal vessels, the two flaps can be based on vascular pedicle that is long and anatomically reliable. In this case, we reported that serratus anterior possessed an anomalous arterial supply totally independent from the subscapular pedicle while raising combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior flap. Methods: A 35-year-old male with extensive soft tissue defect in the left perineum and thigh visited. Muscle defects of the medial thigh were observed, and femoral nerve and vessels were exposed. Combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior free flap was raised to reconstruct defect. On raising flaps, artery supplying the serratus anterior muscle originated from the axillary artery directly, was lying on the undersurface of the serratus anterior muscle. Results: Because two flap pedicles had no communication and latissimus dorsi muscle was large enough to cover soft tissue defect, we transferred only latissimus dorsi free flap with 1 : 3 meshed skin graft. Patient had limb salvage and satisfactory functional outcome. Conclusion: There are many variations of arterial pedicles of flaps. However, most of these variations remain within known anatomical consistence, thus is an indicator in planning the dissection of the vessels. According to documents, arterial pedicle to the serratus muscle not originated from the thoracodorsal artery is rarely reported, and in most of these cases, the arteries are originated from the subscapular artery. Thus pedicle directly originated from the axillary artery to serratus muscle is a very rare variation in its vascular anatomy.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.41-43
• /
• 2004

An advanced maxillary sinus cancer requires an extensive ablation that results an extensive facial deformity, including a skin defect. Reconstruction has to be considered in a radical maxillectomy, especially with skin defect may be accomplished in one stage with a microsurgical free transfer of a latissimus dorsi flap. A man of right maxillary sinus cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, 47 years old of age, had soft tissue invasion of the cheek region. He underwent a radical maxillectomy with extensive skin excision. The maxillectomy and skin defects were reconstructed with the double skin island latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap. The cosmetic result and the functional outcome of the nose were thought to be considerably satisfied.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.135-140
• /
• 2002

It has been known that latissimus dorsi(LD) myocutaneous flap based on thoracodorsal artery is one of most useful method for microreconstructive surgery and the thoracodorsal artery of this flap has constant vascular anatomy. The retrospective study for anatomy of the thoracodorsal arterial system was performed at operative cases. The aim of this study was to document the anatomical variation of this pedicle clinically. 167 LD flaps were carried out from 1983 to 2002 in our clinic. We found unusual 7(4.2%) cases compared to standard textbooks of anatomy. One case was no vascular supply to LD muscle. In 2(1.2%) cases thoracodorsal artery was a typical branch of the subscapular artery but didn't branch to LD muscle, passed to lower serratus anterior muscle, and at this point, supplied vessel to LD muscle and it's vascular diameter was about 1mm diameter. The thoracodorsal artery arose from the axillary artery in 1.8% of cases(3 cases). One case had less than 1mm vascular diameter but a branch of subscapluar artery. It should be emphasized that we must elevate the latissimus dorsi flap after accurate cognition for the anatomy of thoracodorsal artery because the thoracodorsal arterial system is almost reliable but not uniform in rare cases.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.129-132
• /
• 2023

Scalp defects necessitate diverse approaches for successful reconstruction, taking into account factors such as defect size, surrounding tissue, and recipient vessel quality. This case report presents a challenging scenario involving a temporal scalp defect where ipsilateral recipient vessels were unavailable. The defect was effectively reconstructed utilizing a transposition flap and a latissimus dorsi free flap, which was anastomosed to the contralateral recipient vessels. Our report underscores the successful reconstruction of a scalp defect in the absence of ipsilateral recipient vessels, emphasizing the importance of employing appropriate surgical interventions without necessitating vessel grafts.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.111-117
• /
• 2001

Introduction : The Functional muscle transfer is used to reconstruct the injuried muscle and paralysis of the shoulder. Especially transfer of the trapezius has been the treatment of choice but it has disadvantages of inadequate function and deformed contour, and instability of humeral head in case of acromion resection. We report an operation for shoulder reconstruction after wide resection of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, using rotational latissimus dorsi flap and review the operation method and clinical outcome. Materials and Methods : A patient, 53 year old, with malignant fibrous histiocytoma in the acromioclavicular joint area had been underwent wide excision, including the deltoid, clavicular head of pectoralis major, part of trapezius, lateral 1/3 of clavicle and acromion including scapular spine. The rotational latissimus dorsi flap with its neurovascular pedicle was dissected and then placed over the resected area and transfer of muscle attached at coracoid process was done to achieve stability of the humeral head. The range of motion of the shoulder and test of muscle power were evaluated for functional outcome. Total follow-up period is 2 years 11 months. Results : At last follow-up, the range of motion of the shoulder is abduction $90^{\circ}$, flexion $90^{\circ}$, internal rotation $40^{\circ}$, external rotation $50^{\circ}$ and the muscle power is 4 grade in all direction and then we obtained good functional results. There are no complications such as instability or subluxation of the humeral head and deformed contour and he is a disease-free survival state. Conclusions : The transfered latissimus dorsi flap provides adequate lever arm and stabilization and covering of the humeral head by sufficient muscle volume and width. This procedure can be useful not only for the paralysed deltoid reconstruction but also for use in reconstructive surgery after wide resection of the shoulder for malignant tumor.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.14 no.1_2
• /
• pp.105-116
• /
• 1992

Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is useful for the breast reconstruction, chest wall coverage, free flap transfer, and head and neck area reconstruction, especially in large defect. We have had some experience of 5-pedicled and 1-free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in head and neck area and found many advantages and some problems. The conclusions were as follows : 1. Potentially large flap size enabled us agressive tumor resection and reconstruction. 2. Speedy and easy flap elevation and long vascular pedicles reduced operation time and flap failure. 3. Due to fewer complication and functional loss of doner site, pedicled latissimus dorsi flap was a good choice for large head and neck reconstruction. 4. Because of flap bulkness, thin and small defect was not appropriate for reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.42 no.1
• /
• pp.73-77
• /
• 2015

The latissimus dorsi flap is popular due to the versatile nature of its applications. When used as a pedicled flap it provides a robust solution when soft tissue coverage is required following breast, thoracic and head and neck surgery. Its utilization as a free flap is extensive due to the muscle's size, constant anatomy, large caliber of the pedicle and the fact it can be used for functional muscle transfers. In facial palsy it provides the surgeon with a long neurovascular pedicle that is invaluable in situations where commonly used facial vessels are not available, in congenital cases or where previous free functional muscle transfers have been attempted, or patients where a one-stage procedure is indicated and a long nerve is required to reach the contra-lateral side. Although some facial palsy surgeons use the trans-axillary approach, an operative guide of raising the flap by this method has not been provided. A clear guide of raising the flap with the patient in the supine position is described in detail and offers the benefits of reducing the risk of potential brachial plexus injury and allows two surgical teams to work synchronously to reduce operative time.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.91-95
• /
• 2018

Managing large infected midline abdominal defects are clinically challenging and technically demanding. The alloplastic materials, regional flaps, and component separation are usually infeasible because of the size, location, depth, and state of the defects. In these cases, the free flap is the only option with a large well-vascularized tissue that is free to inset regardless of the location. Herein, we report a case of 44-year-old man with a large infected midline abdominal wall defect who was completely treated with a latissimus dorsi myocutaeous free flap followed by negative pressure wound therapy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.41 no.5
• /
• pp.513-519
• /
• 2014

Background Currently, breast conservation therapy is commonly performed for the treatment of early breast cancer. Depending on the volume excised, patients may require volume replacement, even in cases of partial mastectomy. The use of the latissimus dorsi muscle is the standard method, but this procedure leaves an unfavorable scar on the donor site. We used an endoscope for latissimus dorsi harvesting to minimize the incision, thus reducing postoperative scars. Methods Ten patients who underwent partial mastectomy and immediate partial breast reconstruction with endoscopic latissimus dorsi muscle flap harvest were reviewed retrospectively. The total operation time, hospital stay, and complications were reviewed. Postoperative scarring, overall shape of the reconstructed breast, and donor site deformity were assessed using a 10-point scale. Results In the mean follow-up of 11 weeks, no tumor recurrence was reported. The mean operation time was 294.5 (${\pm}38.2$) minutes. The postoperative hospital stay was 11.4 days. Donor site seroma was reported in four cases and managed by office aspiration and compressive dressing. Postoperative scarring, donor site deformity, and the overall shape of the neobreast were acceptable, scoring above 7. Conclusions Replacement of 20% to 40% of breast volume in the upper and the lower outer quadrants with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap by using endoscopic harvesting is a good alternative reconstruction technique after partial mastectomy. Short incision benefits from a very acceptable postoperative scar, less pain, and early upper extremity movement.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.48 no.5
• /
• pp.494-497
• /
• 2021

Bronchopleural fistula is a severe complication with a high mortality rate that occurs after pulmonary resection. Several treatment options have been suggested; however, it is a challenge to treat this condition without recurrence or other complications. In this case report, we describe the successful performance of a pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transfer, with no recurrence or donor site morbidity.