Use of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for recurrence in breast cancer after irradiation
Pousset, C.; Salmon, R.J.; Soussaline, M.; Guillet, J.L.; Durand, J.C.; Pilleron, J.P.
Annales de Chirurgie Plastique et Esthetique 31(1): 82-85
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0294-1260 PMID: 2425709 Document Number: 276104
Recurrence after conservative treatment for breast cancer requires a mastectomy. Skin closure after such mastectomy can be a difficult technical problem. The latissimus dorsi myo-cutaneous flap was employed in 14 patients. Although 50-55 grays were administered to the axilla, the arteriovenous pedicle of the latissimus dorsi was never jeopardized and the vascularization of the flap was excellent in 13 cases. In one patient a distal and partial necrosis was observed and healing was obtained spontaneously. The authors advocate this fast and simple surgical procedure when the quality of the skin and/or the extent of skin removal prevent primary closure.