Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap Research Articles

A case of Aspergillus empyema successfully treated by a single-stage cavernostomy and a covering procedure using both fat pad and muscle flap

BackgroundAspergillus empyema due to rupture of a pulmonary cavity including an aspergilloma is a serious condition especially in immunocompromised patients with various co-morbidities. Open window thoracotomy is usually performed to control infection, followed by secondary myoplasty. However, such a two-stage strategy requires long treatment period and accompanies the invasiveness of multiple operations. On the other hand, single-stage surgery is minimally invasive, and patients’ activities of daily living are less impaired. We present a single-stage surgery consisting of cavernostomy and a covering procedure using both fat pad and muscle flap.Case presentationA 28-year-old man taking 20 mg of prednisone for rheumatoid arthritis presented with right-sided chest pain. A chest computed tomography and thoracoscopy showed a perforated pulmonary cavity including an aspergilloma in the right apex of the lung. Antifungal medication was started, but the thoracic and pulmonary cavities persisted. Therefore, surgical intervention was indicated, and considering the patient’s general condition and anticipated length of treatment period, we decided to conduct a single-stage operation. A cavernostomy was performed on the ruptured cavity. To reliably close the air leak and to occlude the air space to prevent recurrence of infection, a subcutaneous free fat pad was harvested and filled into the cavity. A pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap was further introduced into the thoracic space to cover the fat pad. There was no postoperative air leak and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 20 with no adverse events and no limitation of movement in the arm. A series of post-operative CT showed that the pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap and free fat pad gradually shrank with lung re-expansion, but they were still present and filled the thoracic and pulmonary cavities 10 months after surgery.ConclusionA single-stage surgery consisting of cavernostomy and a covering procedure using both a fat pad and muscle flap was effective in sealing air leaks, filling the air space, and preventing recurrence of infection. The fat pad and muscle flap appear to have worked in a complementary way.

Combined latissimus dorsi and scapular flaps for reconstruction of a large defect after a shoulder sarcoma resection.

Reconstruction with a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap is used for a large defect after resection of soft tissue sarcoma of the shoulder. Primary donor site closure is sometimes difficult and a skin graft is necessary, possibly delaying postoperative chemotherapy. Combined latissimus dorsi and scapular flaps are used for free flaps in head and neck reconstruction. Myxofibrosarcoma resection in the shoulder of a 76-year-old man resulted in a 16 cm diameter skin resection. The defect was reconstructed with a scapular flap (width = 5cm) for the distal defect and a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap (flap size, 10 × 7cm) for the proximal defect. Primary closure of the donor site in the latissimus dorsi flap was easy. By adding a scapular flap to the latissimus dorsi flap, the latissimus dorsi flap area can be reduced, making it easy for primary suture and contributing to less invasive surgery.

Pedicled thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in the soft-tissue reconstruction of an acute traumatic cubital fossa defect

Complex cubital fossa injuries with bony and vascular injuries are not an uncommon clinical presentation after trauma to the elbow. The revascularization of the upper limb by brachial artery repair with the venous graft is paramount, followed by immediate cover with a sturdy flap to salvage the limb. The use of local muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps is limited in the setting of vascular injury. The pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap and abdominal flaps are routinely used with few advantages. This article describes the use of a pedicled thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in the management of acute traumatic cubital fossa defect. A retrospective observational study was performed from September 2015 to December 2020 with patients who underwent the pedicled TDAP flap as a soft-tissue cover of cubital fossa injuries primarily. Patient variables, including the size of defect and flap, the number of perforators, the complications, and the outcome, were recorded. Eleven patients were included in the study. The majority of the patients were males (n=10) and presented with a history of trauma in a road traffic accident (n=6) or because of a fall from height (n=4). All of them (n=11) had some form of bony injury. Seven patients in this group required brachial artery repair with an interposition vein graft successfully covered with a TDAP flap. There was a constant dominant musculocutaneous perforator about 10-13cm from the apex of the axilla. At discharge, all flaps had settled well. On follow-up ranging from 2 months to 2 years, the patients reported satisfactory outcomes.

Robotic-assisted harvest of latissimus dorsi muscle flap for breast reconstruction: review of the literature.

Robotic-assisted surgery continues to gain ground over conventional surgical methods, due to reported better results regarding the aesthetic outcome and the decreased percentage of complications. Although latissimus dorsi flap harvesting for breast reconstruction has been already used for several years, a plethora of serious complications has been reported. Recently, minimally invasive surgical approaches, such as robotic-assisted technique, have been suggested with conflicting outcomes to overcome technical difficulties. Therefore, the literature review was conducted regarding robotic-assisted harvesting of the latissimus dorsi flap for breast reconstruction. A narrative review of the contemporary literature was performed in the PubMed database for the use of robotic-assisted surgery of latissimus dorsi muscle flap harvesting for breast reconstruction. Appropriate search terms were used, and specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 32 cases of robotically assisted harvesting of pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap for implant-based breast reconstruction have been identified. All flaps were successfully harvested without converting in the traditional open procedure. There were no significant postoperative complications, expect from few cases of postoperative seromas, which were conservatively managed. Additionally, all patients were satisfied with their postoperative cosmetic outcome. The robotic-assisted harvesting technique of the latissimus dorsi flap for breast reconstruction is safe and comparable to the conventional methods. Reduced hospital stays and superior aesthetic outcome are the main advantages, while total cost and the difficulty of reaching the learning curve plateau are the main concerns regarding this modern and minimally invasive surgical approach.

Functional evaluation following deltoid muscle resection in patients with soft tissue sarcoma.

The present study aimed to determine functional outcomes in patients undergoing deltoid muscle resection for soft tissue sarcoma. Between 2002 and 2014, 18 patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the shoulder who underwent wide resection including the deltoid muscle, and were followed up for more than 12months, were retrospectively included in the study. In all, 11 patients were male and 7 were female. The median age was 59years, median follow-up duration was 37months. The extent of resection of deltoid muscle, with or without rotator cuff damage, reconstruction methods, adjuvant therapy, oncological outcomes, and the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) score as functional outcomes were analyzed. Six patients underwent total resection, and twelve underwent partial resections of deltoid muscle. The rotator cuff was resected in four patients. Soft tissue reconstruction was performed in 17 patients using a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap. Two local recurrences and three distant metastases occurred during follow-up. Median overall survival was 72months. The mean ISOLS score was 25.0 points (±4.6points). Univariate analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in ISOLS score regarding the extent of deltoid muscle resection. Multivariate analysis identified only combined resection of the rotator cuff as a significant prognostic factor for poor functional outcomes (P<0.001). The extent of resection of the deltoid muscle might not affect the functional outcomes determined by ISOLS score. If the rotator cuff is resected concurrently, satisfactory functional outcomes might not be obtained.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery for pleuroperitoneal communication

BackgroundHydrothorax due to pleuroperitoneal communication (PPC) is a rare complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Approximately 50% of the patients need to convert to hemodialysis.Case presentationA 65-year-old man with chronic renal failure due to membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis underwent CAPD. Seven months after starting CAPD, a chest X-ray showed a right hydrothorax. For performing radioscintigraphy, 99mTc-macro-aggregated albumin was administered into the peritoneal cavity with dialysate, and a leakage point of the dialysate into the right pleural cavity was detected. He was diagnosed with PPC and underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). The hole was closed by direct suturing and reinforced by a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap (LDM). The patient resumed CAPD 7 weeks later and had no recurrence of the right hydrothorax.ConclusionsVATS was a useful method for treating PPC. A pedicled LDM flap is an effective material for preventing the recurrence of PPC.

Volume Change of Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap after Partial Breast Reconstruction.

Despite successful breast reconstruction with oversized latissimus dorsi muscle flap after breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer, esthetic problems continue to exist due to flap shrinkage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the objective volume change of pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap when it is used in breast reconstruction. Patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a breast-conserving surgery with immediate breast reconstruction with pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap between October 2009 and November 2015 were studied. Eleven patients who were followed up for more than 1 year after operation were included in the study. We evaluated the volume of muscle portion of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with computed tomography (CT) scan. We analyzed the rate of volume change of the latissimus dorsi muscle every year until 5 years after the operation. The latissimus dorsi muscle flaps of all 11 patients showed a volume decrease over time. The rate of volume change of the latissimus dorsi muscle flaps decreased 8.04% in the first year, 6.36% in the second year, 5.05% in the third year, 2.88% in the fourth year, and 2.56% in the fifth year after operation in average. This research shows the possibility of objectively evaluating the volume change of pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flaps after breast reconstruction. The findings will be helpful in designing the size of the flaps to use on defects after breast-conserving surgery.

Salvage of an Exposed Axillo-profunda Bypass Graft and Discussion of Reconstructive Options on the Torso

IntroductionA case of salvage of an exposed axillo-profunda bypass graft is presented.ReportRobust coverage of the graft was achieved with a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap and overlying bi-pedicled cutaneous flap.DiscussionReconstructive options to salvage an exposed prosthetic graft will depend on the position on the trunk but can be successful if a reconstructive plastic surgery algorithm is followed. The options are discussed within this report. Exposed axillo-profunda graft can be salvaged successfully through a variety of reconstructive techniques. Close cooperation between vascular and plastic surgeons is vital for a successful outcome.

Pedicled latissimus dorsi flap for arm defects: A report of twenty-three cases

Background: The latissimusdorsi muscle or myocutaneous flap is one of the most reliable and versatile flaps used in reconstructive surgery. It is known for its use in chest wall and post mastectomy reconstruction and has also been used effectively for coverage of large soft tissue defects in the head and neck and upper limb either as a pedicled flap or as a free flap. It has been described for reconstruction of hand and foot defects as microvascular flap and functional reconstruction of elbow in brachial plexus injuries. Aim: Evaluate its role in reconstruction of arm defects. Patient and Methods: Twenty three cases of pedicled Latissimus dorsi flaps for arm defects are enrolled into the study. The cause of the defect, the site and size of the defect, associated injuries and timing of flap cover are also noted. Observaion and Result: Out of 23 cases majority of defects are from trauma (19 cases) and rest from neoplastic resection (4 cases) all belonging to the age group of 15-45 years with defect size ranging from 10 × 15 cm 2 to 15 × 25 cm 2 . The average duration of follow up was 6 months to 1 year. All the flaps survived without partial loss. Six patients developed seroma at flap donor site which settled with multiple aspirations. Two patient developed hyper trophy at the borders at the donor site scar. Three patients had stretching of the scar. There were no other donor site complications at the flap or skin graft sites. All patients have cosmetically satisfactory result. Conclusion: Pedicled Latissimus dorsi muscle and musculocutaneous flap with a split thickness skin graft is the primary choice for reconstruction of large complex arm defects.

Surgical strategy for aorta-related infection†

This report describes our experience with surgical management of aorta-related infections. From November 1999 to April 2013, 70 patients underwent surgical management for aorta-related infection, including aortobronchial fistula in 12 patients, aorto-oesophageal fistula in 14 and aortoduodenal fistula in 4. The location of infection was aortic root to arch in 22 patients, descending aorta in 29, thoraco-abdominal aorta in 12 and abdominal aorta in 7. Forty-seven patients had infections of the native aorta and 23 had postoperative graft infections. In situ replacement [bridge thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR); n = 1] was performed in 45 patients, endovascular aortic repair in 18 and extra-anatomical bypass (bridge TEVAR; n = 2) in 7. Omental flap was installed in 29 patients and a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap was used in 3. Since 2008, we have been trying to resect not only the infected tissues, but also the surrounding aneurysmal wall as well. Hospital mortality was 17.1% (12/70). Late death occurred in 15 patients. Overall survival at 3 years was 60.1 ± 6.7%. Freedom from infection-related death of patients who had in situ graft replacement, endovascular repair or extra-anatomical bypass at 3 years was 88.5 ± 4.9, 75.2 ± 10.9 or 14.3 ± 13.2%, respectively (P < 0.01). In situ graft replacement provided a better freedom from aortic event (recurrent infection and reintervention) at 3 years compared with endovascular repair (85.6 ± 5.5 vs 61.8 ± 12.5%, P = 0.029). Freedom from infection-related death at 3 years improved significantly from 61.1 ± 9.7 (before 2008) to 84.7 ± 5.8% (since 2008) (P = 0.044). Surgical treatment for aorta-related infection is still associated with high mortality and morbidity. However, our current strategy, which is aggressive surgical management, including resection of infected tissues, extensive debridement, in situ graft replacement of the aorta and omental or muscle installation provided a better patient survival.

Repair of Tracheal Aspergillosis Perforation Causing Tension Pneumothorax

Tracheobronchial aspergillosis is a rare entity mainly observed in immune-compromised patients or those who have undergone transplantation. It may cause airway ulcerations or bleeding. We report the case ofa 17-year-old patient receiving chemotherapy foracute lymphoblastic leukemia who presented withright-sided tension pneumothorax. Chest tube drainage revealed a massive air leak without reexpansion of the lung, and bronchoscopy showed a15-× 15-mm defect of the distal trachea related to aspergillosis infection. The defect was closed by an intrathoracic transposition of a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap, which was sutured into the debrided defect followed by temporary endotracheal stenting and antifungal medication.

Technique for Using Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flaps to Wrap Prosthetic Grafts in an Infected Thoracic Aorta

In this report we describe a special method of using a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap for a mycotic aneurysm. The method involves wrapping the flap around a prosthetic graft. Using this method, an in situ graft, which replaces an aneurysm, can help to avoid recurrence of local infection.

Bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy: Interdisciplinary surgical closure by an ipsilateral pedicled latissimus dorsi flap supported by video-assisted thoracoscopy

Post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula (BPF) remains a rare but often life-threatening complication and therapeutic challenge. Traditional surgical procedures include chronic open drainage, attempts at direct stump closure, thoracoplasty with or without chest wall muscle transposition and trans-sternal bronchial closure. We describe a case with successful closure of a chronic BPF after pneumonectomy by intrathoracic transposition of a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap circumferentially fixed on the surrounding pleural tissue under continuous video-assisted thoracoscopic overview. The postoperative course was without complications; no tumour, empyema or fistula re-occurred. In this article we want to present the potential advantages of video-assisted thoracoscopic support and interdisciplinary teamwork to improve the outcome of patients with BPFs after pneumonectomy.

Our Surgical Approach to Treatment of Congenital, Developmental, and Acquired Breast Asymmetries: A Review of 30 Cases

Peer pressure and the modern definition of beauty have led people to strive for breast perfection. The aim of our study was to emphasize the importance and frequency of nonmastectomy-related breast asymmetry and explain our approach to such patients using a combination of techniques. We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients with nonmastectomy breast asymmetry (i.e., patients with Poland's syndrome, tumors, burns, and tuberous breasts) admitted to our clinic between 2001 and 2011. Patients were followed up for a mean of 25months postoperatively (range 4-72months). These patients completed a satisfaction questionnaire regarding scarring, size, symmetry, shape, and nipple-areola complex sensation. Patient distribution and preferred treatment method according to etiology were screened. For mild Poland's syndrome, breast implants with symmetrization procedures (when needed) were used. In two patients, however, fat grafting was sufficient to correct the deformity. For severe Poland's syndrome, a tissue expander was first placed and wrapped by regional local flaps, such as the pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap, accompanied by fat grafting for infraclavicular depression and an absent anterior axillary fold. After adequate expansion of the skin and muscle flap, a silicone prosthesis replaced the tissue expanders. Tissue expanders with or without muscle flaps along with fat grafting in multiple sessions are necessary steps in the treatment of breast asymmetry. Knowledge and application of multiple techniques in a step-by-step fashion helps the surgeon to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic results for each patient. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .

Non-circumferential tracheal resection with muscle flap reconstruction for adenoid cystic carcinoma

Circumferential airway resection with primary anastomosis has been widely adopted as a treatment for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the trachea. However, carinal resection is a complicated procedure with high mortality and morbidity rates. We describe a technique of non-circumferential tracheal resection performed to treat ACC arising from the lower membranous trachea adjacent to the carina. The tumor was resected while preserving the tracheo-carinal cartilage. A silicone Y-stent was placed at the bifurcation to ensure airway patency before closing the defect. The airway defect, measuring 4×2.5cm, was closed using an autologous pericardial patch and pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap. These procedures were technically easy, and no postoperative airway complication occurred.

External fistulous wound with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and massive bleeding following rupture of pulmonary suppuration

We present a 54-year old man with a pulmonary infectious cavity continuing to a cutaneous fistula. Before he was admitted to our hospital, he had undergone open-window surgery for a left thoracic empyema due to the rupture of pulmonary suppuration of the left upper lobe. He had then undergone thoracoplasty with the plombage of the cavity using left pectoralis major muscle. However, this procedure had failed and the external fistulous wound remained infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and occasional massive bleeding from the cavity occurred. He underwent en bloc left upper lobectomy for the external fistulous wound. The pedicled left latissimus dorsi muscle flap was transposed to fill the dead space and reinforce the bronchial stump. He remained in good health and did not experience intrathoracic infection or haemoptysis.

有茎広背筋弁を人工血管に巻いた感染性胸部下行大動脈瘤破裂の1手術例

有茎広背筋弁を人工血管に巻いた感染性胸部下行大動脈瘤破裂の1手術例

Immediate implanting breast reconstruction with combined muscle flap of pedicled latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major muscle

Objective To explore immediate implanting breast reconstruction after subcutaneous mastectomy by through breast lateral curved incision with combined muscle flap of pedicled latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major muscle covering the breast prosthesis. Methods 30 patients were selected in clinical stage Ⅰ or Ⅱ , and without involvement of skin and pectoral muscle. After subcutaneous mastectomy through breast lateral curved incision, by the same incision the latissimus dorsi muscle flap was removed and transferred, and the submuscular interspace was dissected, and the inferior border of the pectoralis major muscle was cut off. The pedicled latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major muscle flap were sutured and the combined muscle flap was formed to cover the breast prothesis.Results The shape and feeling were satisfactory in 30 reconstructive breasts, and 22 cases were excellent (73.3 %), and 8 cases were good (26.7 %). All the patients survived without tumor recurrence after following-up more than half a year. Conclusions The method has advantages of good cosmetic breast shape, without appendant incision, and larger breast prosthesis could be insertted. It is a good method of immediate breast reconstruction for the young women with early stage breast cancer without axillary lymph node metastasis. Key words: Breast prothesis;  Breast reconstruction;  Subcutaneous mastectomy;  Combined muscle flap

Radical resection of a giant recurrent chondrosarcoma of the anterior chest wall

A 63-year-old woman presented with a giant anterior chest wall tumor. She had undergone an operation 5 years previously for sternal chondrosarcoma at another medical center. Here, the patient underwent further surgery: a radical en bloc resection of an 18 × 18 cm portion of her anterior chest wall was performed, including the proximal ends of both clavicles, the first three costochondral joints bilaterally, and the tumor mass. The large chest wall defect was reconstructed in two layers: the first with a polypropylene mesh and a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap as the second. She is healthy 20 months postoperatively.

Pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap for shoulder reconstruction after wide excision for giant MFH of right shoulder: A case report

Pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap for shoulder reconstruction after wide excision for giant MFH of right shoulder: A case report