Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Reconstruction Research Articles

Large V-Y advancement of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of large thoracic defects: A case series and literature review

BackgroundTrunk reconstruction following sarcoma excision involves significant defects. Pedicled and free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) reconstruction is commonly employed for thoracic defects; however, skin paddle design is limited to 10-12 cm to achieve primary donor closure. Paucity of data exists regarding the utility of V-Y advancement of LDMF, previously described for moderately sized thoracic defects. Efficacy of the technique's application, axial reach, maximum skin paddle, and overall success or complications have not been defined in the literature. MethodsA retrospective review of records was conducted from 2015 to 2021 at our center to identify patients who underwent large, islanded V-Y LDMF reconstructions. Results were assessed by reviewing photographs and clinical notes. PubMed search of articles using the search terms “Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction” AND “V-Y” was conducted, abstracts were screened, and relevant articles were selected for review by the 2 author (NL/YS). We summarized the findings in our review and discussion. ResultsEleven patients underwent V-Y LDMF reconstruction with large skin paddles designed to close the donor site and oncological defect. Flaps were mobilized in superior (n = 7), anterior (n = 2), inferior (n = 1) and medial (n = 1) directions. Satisfactory coverage and patient recovery with few complications was achieved. Average length of hospital stay was 4.7 days and secondary surgery was not required. Discussion and conclusionV-Y advancement of LDMF is reliable up to 24 cm axially with a skin paddle width of 24 cm based superiorly, inferiorly, or anteriorly. The technique is safe and effective in comorbid patients following high-dose radiotherapy, without prolonged general anesthesia or microsurgery. It represents a versatile locoregional reconstructive option for large trunk defects.

A prospective case-control study of disability, quality of life, and functional impairment of shoulder movements after latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstruction in breast cancer patients.

Dysfunction of shoulder movements could be a limiting factor to the use of Latissimus dorsi (LD) flap. This study aimed to assess the impact of LD flap reconstruction on shoulder dysfunction and the quality of life. This study comprised 28 early breast cancer cases who underwent breast conserving surgery (BCS) with LD flap and 40 controls. Subjective and objective assessments were done a year later. Mild and moderate disability were found in 85.71% and 14.3% cases vs. 100% and 0% controls (p= 0.316) respectively. Physical and emotional functioning were 84.29 ± 5.61 and 66.67 ± 6.05 in cases vs. 86.67 ± 8.38 and 70.0 ± 6.84 in controls (p= 0.36, 0.23) respectively. Pain score in cases was 23.8 ± 15.6 vs. 12.17 ± 8.4 in controls (p= 0.018). LD muscle strength in extension was 4.39 ± 0.35 in cases vs. 4.88 ± 0.22 in controls (p <0.001), 4.43 ± 0.18 for adduction in cases vs. 4.65 ± 0.24 in controls (p= 0.006). ROM of shoulder in flexion was 151.61 ± 4.86° in cases and 153.88 ± 2.36° in controls (p= 0.08), 40.36 ± 3.52° in cases vs. 49.13 ± 1.86° in controls for extension (p <0.001), in abduction it was 150.54 ± 3.69° in cases vs. 150.00 ± 0.00° in controls (p= 0.518), in adduction was 30.89 ± 4.0° in cases vs. 38.13 ± 1.11° in controls (p <0.001), in external rotation was 73.57 ± 3.63° in cases vs. 77.63 ± 2.36° in controls (p <0.001), and internal rotation was 69.46 ± 3.56° in cases vs. 79.00 ± 1.26° in controls (p <0.001). We conclude that functional impairment should not be a determining factor for LD flap in breast reconstruction surgery.

Extremely Rare Type of Breast Cancer-Dedifferentiated Breast Liposarcoma-Diagnosis and Treatment.

Primary liposarcoma of the breast is an uncommon soft tissue malignant tumor, comprising only 0.003% of all malignant breast tumors. The main differential diagnosis of this mass consists of malignant phyllodes tumor and metaplastic breast carcinoma. The objective of this paper is to report a case of dedifferentiated breast liposarcoma, therapeutic approach and outcome. We present a case of a 79-year-old woman complaining of a large mass in her left breast which had increased in size over the last 6 months. Physical examination revealed an enlarged left breast, and a total body CT scan showed a large tumor in contact with the musculature of the anterior thoracic wall, with no metastatic lesions. The histopathology report of a fine needle biopsy described a high-grade sarcoma. The Oncological Tumor Board recommended neoadjuvant radiotherapy sessions and reevaluation by MRI and CT scans. The patient underwent radical mastectomy with latissimus dorsi myo-cutaneous flap reconstruction. The final histopathology diagnosis was a grade 3 dedifferentiated liposarcoma (FNCLCC), with certain response to radiotherapy and positive MDM2, CDK4 markers. The postoperative period was uneventful; 12 months after surgery, the follow-up CT scan showed multiple pulmonary lesions with metastatic characteristics. Liposarcoma is a very rare type of breast cancer, and the most important treatment for breast sarcoma is surgery, the role of axillary lymph node removal, chemotherapy and radiotherapy still being controversial. Considering such cases are scarce and the development of surgical guidelines is difficult, reporting any new case is crucial.

Anterior-First Approach for Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Refined Elevation Method with Detailed Video Instructions.

The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous (LDMC) flap is a preferred flap in breast reconstruction for its wide surface area and volume. Since the flap is situated in the midback area, a lateral decubitus approach is a conventional method. However, proper visualization and access to the thoracodorsal vascular pedicle or muscle insertion is difficult from the lateral approach, causing inefficiency and surgeon fatigue. We propose the 'anterior-first' approach in LDMC flap reconstruction, where the landmark structures are first approached from the supine-anterior position through the mastectomy incision. From January 2014 to December 2020, 48 patients who received immediate breast reconstruction with LDMC flap were included in the study. Patients received reconstruction with the conventional approach (n = 20), or anterior-first approach (n = 28). Demographic factors and the operative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed and compared between the two groups. Compared to the conventional approach group, the anterior-first approach group showed improved efficiency in the duration of total reconstruction (228 versus 330 min, p &lt; 0.001), and flap elevation (139 versus 200 min, p &lt; 0.001). No difference in complication rate and time to drain removal was observed (p = 0.14 and &gt;0.9, respectively). The anterior-first approach for breast reconstruction with LDMC flap provides surgeons with an enhanced surgical exposure and superior ergonomics, leading to a safer and more efficient flap elevation.

A Comparison of the Oncological Outcomes After Breast-Conserving Surgery With or Without Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Reconstruction for Breast Cancer

BackgroundThere is little information on the oncological outcomes of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with immediate reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) for breast cancer compared with BCS alone. Patients and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study from a single institution comparing the margin positivity rates after initial surgery, re-excision rates, and local recurrence (LR) between BCS with immediate LDMF reconstruction (n = 145) and BCS alone (n = 1040) performed from 2012 to 2017 for newly diagnosed stage 0-3 breast cancer. ResultsThe positive rates of surgical margin after initial surgery were significantly lower in the BCS with LDMF group than in the BCS alone group (4.1 vs. 10.8%; P = .006). There were no marked differences in the re-excision rates between the BCS with LDMF and BCS alone groups (P = .1). At a median follow-up of 61 months, the surgical method (BCS with LD vs. BCS alone) was not associated with the LR-free survival after adjusting for various clinicopathologic factors (P = .8). ConclusionOur findings suggest that BCS with immediate LDMF reconstruction is oncologically safe for breast cancer compared with BCS alone. However, further studies are needed.

Long-term outcomes of latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstructions: A single-centre observational cohort study with up to 12 years of follow up

The Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap (LDMF) is used in post-mastectomy reconstruction. This study has evaluated long-term (up to 12 years) surgical- and patient-reported outcomes from LDMF procedures. A retrospective analysis of consecutive LDMF procedures in two UK hospitals, performed between 2006 and 2016. Case notes were reviewed for indications and outcomes. Patients were sent the BREAST-QⓇ survey by post. Outcomes, including surgical adverse events, revision, and implant loss rates, were correlated with patient risk factors. A BREAST-Q was posted to 199/248 LDMF patients in 2018, (excluding 49 patients due to death, reduced cognitive function and incorrect coding) of whom 77 patients responded (38.7%). In 188 cases (representing 208 LDMFs), surgical outcomes were assessable. Median time since LDMF surgery was 7 years (range 2-12). Rates of acute implant loss were 9/139 (6.4%), flap necrosis 7/208 (3.4%), shoulder stiffness 4/208 (1.9%), chronic pain 24/208 (11.5%) and unplanned revision surgery 13/208 (7%). Median satisfaction levels were high with 78% of patients satisfied with treatment outcomes, 65% of patients satisfied with their breasts, 71% of patients satisfied psychosocially and 75% of patients satisfied with their chest. Receipt of radiotherapy was not associated with a higher risk of flap necrosis or capsule formation. Long-term follow-up of a large cohort of LDMF reconstruction patients show relatively low levels of adverse events and unplanned revision surgery and high patient satisfaction, which demonstrates how temporally robust the technique is. With the rise in popularity of acellular dermal matrix reconstructions, the LDMF has relatively fallen out of favour but its potential in primary and delayed reconstruction is demonstrated.

Primary Ewings Sarcoma/Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET) of the Breast: a Rare Tumor

Extra osseous Ewing’s sarcoma (EES) is regarded as a member of Ewing’s sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT). A 16-year-old lady presented to the outpatient department of our institute with awareness of progressively increasing lump in the right breast of 5 months duration. Biopsy from the lump done elsewhere was suggestive of poorly differentiated malignancy. On examination, there was a large mass occupying almost the entire right breast. Computed tomography scan (chest) showed a large well-defined minimally enhancing heterogeneous soft tissue lesion of size 17.3 × 14.6 × 14.4 cm in the right breast. Both lungs were normal. Metastatic work up was within normal limits. Review of the biopsy at our center showed fragmented tissue exhibiting sheets of monotonous population of round cells with dark staining nuclei with mitotic figures and minimal cytoplasm. On immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, the neoplastic cells exhibited CD99 and Friend leukemia integration 1 (FLI1) positivity whereas they were negative for leucocyte common antigen (LCA), desmin, and myogenin, which was consistent with Ewing’s sarcoma/PNET family of tumor. She received 2 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with VAC (vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide) + IE (ifosfamide, etoposide) alternately following which simple mastectomy with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstruction was done. Less than 4 cases of EES of the breast have been documented in Indian literature so far. In this report, we discuss the clinicopathological features of this rare and fascinating tumor with a brief review of literature.

A Case of Complete Resection of Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Resistant to Preoperative Chemotherapy by Radical Mastectomy, with Thoracic Wall Resection and Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Reconstruction

A Case of Complete Resection of Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Resistant to Preoperative Chemotherapy by Radical Mastectomy, with Thoracic Wall Resection and Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Reconstruction

Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for cover of soft tissue defects: Experience of a regional cancer center of North East India

Background: Most of the oncological surgeries require extensive resection of tumors and repair of the defects with flaps. Aim: In this series the role of using latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) for oncoplastic replenishment of soft tissue defects involving breast, chest wall, and back was explored. Materials and Methods: The patients in this study are cases treated at a regional cancer center in the northeast India. During the period from January 2010-January 2013, 18 cases of LDMF reconstruction were performed in our center and are included in this series. Results: The patients were in the age range of 10-50 years with a follow-up period ranging from 6-24 months. All patients underwent immediate reconstruction of the primary defect. In our series out of 18 patients, in 13 patients the flap had healed primarily without flap congestion, margin necrosis, or infection. The following minor postoperative complications were observed, like wound infection with skin necrosis in one patient (5.5%) and seroma formation was see at both the donor site and at the defect site in four patients (22%). Conclusion : LDMF should be utilized more often, as it is technically a straightforward procedure that provides adequate coverage of varied defects, acceptable cosmetic outcomes with minimal postoperative complications.

Postmastectomy Radiation of Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Reconstruction is Well Tolerated in Women with Breast Cancer

Chest wall irradiation decreases locoregional recurrence and breast cancer-related mortality in women at high risk for recurrence after mastectomy. Many women undergoing mastectomy desire immediate breast reconstruction. Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT), however, increases the risk of surgical complications and may adversely affect the reconstructed breast. We compared outcomes of immediate latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (Lat Flap) versus tissue expander/implant (EI) reconstruction after mastectomy followed by PMRT in 29 women with invasive breast cancer treated at a single institution between 2009 and 2011. Although patients undergoing EI reconstruction were slightly younger and more frequently underwent bilateral mastectomy, there were no major differences between the groups with respect to patient or tumor characteristics. With a median follow-up of 11 months (Lat Flap) and 13 months (EI) after completion of PMRT, there was a trend toward more wound complications requiring reoperation, including expander/implant loss (n=3), in the EI group. Capsular contracture was the most common sequela of PMRT in the Lat Flap group (67%) but this was easily treated with capsulotomy at the time of nipple-areola reconstruction. Immediate breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is a viable option for women undergoing mastectomy who are likely to require chest wall irradiation.

An Algorithmic Approach to Breast Reconstruction Using Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flaps

Innovative surgical techniques developed by surgical oncologists have changed the landscape of mastectomy defects. Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap-based breast reconstruction provides a reliable foundation for breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differential skin island designs with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction, and to develop an algorithmic approach to breast reconstruction that is applicable to a broad spectrum of mastectomy defects. In this study, the authors retrospectively reviewed data of patients who underwent latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstruction following unilateral or bilateral mastectomies between February of 2001 and April of 2005. Patients were selected to undergo reconstruction under the following circumstances: (1) previously irradiated tissue, (2) body mass index greater than 30, (3) current tobacco use, (4) previous abdominopelvic surgery, and (5) patient preference. Patients were divided into three groups based on defect present: intact inframammary fold with skin deficit, intact inframammary fold without skin deficit, and absent inframammary fold with or without skin deficit. Differential skin island design was customized to the presenting mastectomy defect to optimize results and minimize donor-site scaring. Fifty-four patients underwent 64 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstructions. Aesthetic outcomes and donor-site scar placement differed between groups. The authors have developed an algorithmic approach to latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction. Through critical evaluation of mastectomy defects, reconstructive breast surgeons can tailor skin island orientation, minimize donor-site scarring, enhance cosmetic outcomes, and provide a durable and natural aesthetic outcome in breast reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap.

Pulmonary Atelectasis After Reconstruction With a Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap

Atelectasis is the most common postoperative complication encountered in head and neck surgery. Risk factors include preexisting pulmonary disease, type of surgery performed, and the length of anesthetic. It is controversial whether reconstruction of defects with regional myogenous flaps predisposes to atelectasis. The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap requires the patient to be placed on his side for a period of time. Whether it is the position or the surgery that contributes to the development of atelectasis has not been examined. Eighteen patients underwent latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstruction following major ablative procedures for head and neck cancer. The cutaneous area transferred ranged from 70 to 225 cm2 (mean, 128 cm2). The flap size ranged from 7 x 10 to 15 x 15 cm. The majority of flaps were 10 x 15 cm or greater. These patients were compared to 18 patients who did not undergo pedicled myocutaneous chest flap reconstruction. Patients were matched for age, sex, length of operation, site of primary, and stage of disease. Postoperative atelectasis was radiographically detected in 89% of flap patients vs. 79% of controls. Major atelectasis was encountered in 16% of patients undergoing flap surgery vs. 11% of patients in the control group. Patients with large cutaneous paddles on the flaps (> 120 cm2) had significantly more atelectasis than patients with smaller cutaneous paddles (P<.05, chi-squared). The incidence of radiographic postoperative atelectasis in patients having a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is high. The size of the skin paddle harvested as well as the position change may contribute to this.

The management of acute pyoderma gangrenosum of the breast with a coincidental invasive breast cancer

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a deep necrotizing, ulcerative skin disorder. Surgery is complicated not only by the primary disease process but also by the systemic treatment instituted for it. We report here the successful treatment by mastectomy and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstruction of a lobular breast cancer in a patient who presented with acute pyoderma gangrenosum of the breast.

Extended latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstruction of major head and neck defects.

The purpose of this article is to familiarize th surgeon with the latissimus dorsi flap and some particularly useful applications of it. This flap has proved extremely versatile, with many uses, among them immediate coverage for extensive head and neck wounds. It has been equally successful in repairing defects in both normal and irradiated tissue. The range of the arc of utilization has been exceptional, easily reaching the skull vertex from the chest wall. However, to be able to extend this flap so far requires careful dissection of the neurovascular pedicle and intimate anatomic knowledge of the posterior axilla region. This flap's muscle bulk is quite acceptable and the donor site may almost always be closed primarily. There appears to be less functional disability from sacrifice of this muscle than with pectoralis or trapezius myocutaneous flaps. Accordingly, it is ideal when much tissue is needed for single-stage coverage. Additional uses are available when flaps from other sites have failed.