Latissimus dorsi flap with immediate fat transfer (LIFT) for autologous breast reconstruction: Single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported the outcomes of LDF and immediate fat transfer (LIFT) during breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes and complications of LIFT and standard LDF (without immediate fat transfer) for breast reconstruction. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts from patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction after total mastectomy between 2011 and 2021. We compared intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between groups. RESULTS: One hundred nineteen reconstructions (61.02%) were performed with LIFT, while seventy-six (38.98%) were performed with standard LDF. The median volume of total fat transferred during LIFT was 125-cc [110-170 â€‹cc]. The rates of donor site wound disruption (23.7% versus 12.6%, p â€‹= â€‹0.044) were higher using the standard LDF compared to LIFT. Reconstructions performed with LIFT (HR 4.01, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) were found to be associated with secondary fat grafting procedures. CONCLUSION: LIFT is a safe procedure to enhance the volume of LDF in patients desiring autologous reconstruction without increasing recipient-site morbidity. On a time-to-event analysis, LIFT was associated with the requirement of further revision procedures using secondary fat grafting.

Breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap: a comprehensive review and case series.

The latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) has gained popularity given its versatile nature and broad applicability in breast reconstruction. Its resurgence has been attributed to its ability to be enhanced using implant or high-volume fat grafting, rendering it a primary option for selected patients. The aim of this review is to tackle current indications and subjects of controversy regarding use of complete-autologous and implant-enhanced LDF in breast reconstruction. Also, a case-series showcasing the authors' experience with this versatile reconstructive option is presented. A search across Web of Science and PubMed MEDLINE from inception through January 3, 2023, was conducted. Articles reporting postoperative outcomes of autologous breast reconstruction with LDF were included. Regarding the case series, electronic medical records of patients who underwent total mastectomy and autologous breast reconstruction with LDF from January 2011 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on demographic and oncologic characteristics, and surgical characteristics and outcomes were extracted. Our review suggests that LDF is suitable for patients who lack alternative donor site, have a history of abdominoplasty or no access to microsurgery, smokers or obese. Latissimus dorsi (LD) harvesting has almost complete shoulder function recovery in the long-term. Thoracodorsal nerve division does not cause volume loss or animation deformity. Multisite multilayer fat grafting, beveling the edges of the skin paddle and fat, folding the LD muscle and plicating the paddle allow adequate projection and contour achievement. Our case-series included 234 reconstructions. Almost half of the patients had immediate fat transfer during reconstruction (51.3%). The rate of recipient site hematoma was 3.0%, seroma was 7.7%, wound disruption 32.1%, wound disruption events requiring unplanned procedures was 13.7%, and surgical site infection (SSI) was 12.4%. The LDF is reliable and safe for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction or salvage after reconstruction failure. Its versatility, reliable anatomy, easy dissection, and relative low complication rate have revived this modality as valuable opportunity for breast reconstruction in this era.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans de mama con reconstrucción con colgajo del dorsal ancho. Reporte de caso

El Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans es un tumor cutáneo fibrohistiocítico, extremadamente raro y representa menos del 1% de los tumores mamarios. Se caracteriza por un lento crecimiento, pero con comportamiento infiltrante con altas tasas de recidiva local. Se puede sospechar clínicamente, la confirmación es histopatológica y se debe complementar con inmunohistoquímica. El tratamiento de elección es quirúrgico. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 23 años con Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans de mama derecha, sometida a tumorectomía y reconstrucción inmediata de colgajo de dorsal ancho. La paciente tuvo evolución satisfactoria, sin evidencia de enfermedad.

SUMMARY Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a fibro histiocytic cutaneous tumor extremely rare that accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers, and it is characterized by slow growing but locally invasiveness with high recurrence rates. Confirmation of the diagnosis is with histopathology with immunohistochemistry. Treatment of choice is surgical resection with latissimus dorsalis reconstruction. We present the case of a 23-year-old woman with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the right breast in whom a tumorectomy followed by latissimus dorsalis reconstruction was performed. The patient had a favorable clinical evolution remaining free of disease.

Presence of incomplete superficial axillary arch and pectoralis quartus muscle in one male body / Presencia en un individuo de un arco axilar superficial incompleto y de un músculo pectoral cuarto

SUMMARY: The anatomical variations of the pectoralis major muscle (PMM) and latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) range from agenesis to the presence of supernumerary fascicles with a variety of insertions and relationships with the muscles, fascia, vessels, nerves and skeletal components of the shoulder girdle and the axilla. Many of these variations are clinically irrelevant, but extremely interesting and revealing from the perspective of comparative anatomy, ontogeny, and phylogeny. In this report, we present two different supernumerary muscles in the chest of one adult male body, identified during dissection practice of undergraduate medical students at Universidad Surcolombiana. These supernumerary fascicles in the axillary region were caudal to the lower edge of the PMM on the right side of the chest, and in contact with the anterior edge of the LDM on the left side of the chest; each fascicle was inserted in the ipsilateral coracoid process. These observations are congruent with the pectoralis quartus muscle and an incomplete and superficial axillary arch, respectively.

RESUMEN: Las variaciones anatómicas del músculo pectoral mayor (MPM) y del músculo latísimo del dorso (MLD) van desde la agenesia hasta la presencia de fascículos supernumerarios con una variedad de inserciones y relaciones con los músculos, fascias, vasos, nervios y componentes esqueléticos de la cintura escapular y la axila. Clínicamente, muchas de las variaciones son irrelevantes, pero extremadamente interesantes y reveladoras desde la perspectiva de la anatomía comparada, la ontogenia y la filogenia. En este estudio, presentamos dos músculos supernumerarios diferentes en la pared torácica de un hombre adulto, identificados durante la práctica de disección de estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad Surcolombiana. Estos fascículos supernumerarios en la región axilar estaban caudales al margen inferior del MPM en el lado derecho del tórax y en contacto con el margen anterior del MLD en el lado izquierdo del tórax; cada fascículo se insertaba en el proceso coracoides ipsilateral. Estas observaciones son congruentes con el músculo pectoral cuarto y un arco axilar incompleto y superficial, respectivamente.

Latissimus dorsi detrusor myoplasty for bladder acontractility: a systematic review.

Bladder acontractility affects several thousand patients in the United States, but the available therapies are limited. Latissimus dorsi detrusor myoplasty (LDDM) is a therapeutic option that allows patients with bladder acontractility to void voluntarily. Our goal was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to determine whether LDDM is a better option than clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) (standard treatment) in patients with bladder acontractility. On January 17, 2020, we conducted a systematic review of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Clinical Answers, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, without time frame limitations, to identify articles on the use of LDDM for bladder acontractility. Of 75 potential articles, 4 fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The use of LDDM to treat patients with bladder acontractility was reported in four case series by the same group in Europe. Fifty-eight patients were included, and no comparison groups were included. The most common cause of bladder acontractility was spinal cord injury (n=36). The mean (±standard deviation) operative time was 536 (±22) minutes, postoperative length of hospital stay ranged from 10 to 13 days, and follow-up ranged from 9 to 68 months. Most patients had complete response, were able to void voluntarily, and had post-void residual volume less than 100 mL. Although promising outcomes have been obtained, evidence is still weak regarding whether LDDM is better than CIC to avoid impairment of the urinary tract among patients with bladder acontractility. Further prospective studies with control groups are necessary.

Ischemic Pressure vs Postisometric Relaxation for Treatment of Rhomboid Latent Myofascial Trigger Points: A Randomized, Blinded Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ischemic pressure (IP) vs postisometric relaxation (PIR) on rhomboid-muscle latent trigger points (LTrPs). METHODS: Forty-five participants with rhomboid-muscle LTrPs were randomly assigned into 3 groups and received 3 weeks of treatment-group A: IP and traditional treatment (infrared radiation, ultrasonic therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation); group B: PIR and traditional treatment; and group C: traditional treatment. Shoulder pain and disability, neck pain and disability, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of 3 points on each side were measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of variance indicated a statistically significant Group × Time interaction (P = .005). The PPT for the right lower point was increased in group A more than in groups B or C. Neck pain was reduced in group B more than in group C. Moreover, shoulder and neck disability were reduced in both groups A and B more than in group C. The PPTs of the left lower and middle points were increased in group B compared with groups A and C. The PPT of the left upper point was increased in group A more than in group C. There were significant changes in all outcomes in the 2 experimental groups (P < .05). No changes were found in the control group except in pain intensity, shoulder disability, and PPT of the left lower point. CONCLUSION: This study found that IP may be more effective than PIR regarding PPT, but both techniques showed changes in the treatment of rhomboid-muscle LTrPs.

Recurrent late seroma after immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap.

The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (LDMCF) is widely used for breast reconstruction. However, it has the disadvantage of frequent seroma formation at the donor site, and late seroma has also been reported. The authors report histological findings after the surgical treatment of a late, repeatedly recurrent seroma at 10 years after breast reconstruction with LDMCF. In 2008, a 66-year-old female patient underwent immediate breast reconstruction with LDMCF. In 2015, a late seroma was found at the donor site. After aspiration and drainage, the seroma recurred again in 2018. Total surgical excision of the seroma was performed and bloody-appearing fluid was identified in the capsule. The excised tissue was biopsied. Histological examination revealed no evidence of blood in the fluid, and multinucleated giant cells with amorphous eosinophilic proteinaceous material were identified. The cyst was suggestive of chronic granulomatous inflammation. There was no recurrence at 8 months postoperatively. The patient described herein underwent surgical treatment of late seroma that recurred after immediate breast reconstruction with LDMCF, and histological findings were identified. These results may be helpful for other future studies regarding late seroma after breast reconstruction with LDMCF.

Volumetric change of the latissimus dorsi muscle after postoperative radiotherapy in immediate breast reconstruction with an extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the magnitude of volume reduction of the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle after treatment using only postoperative radiotherapy (PORTx) in patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction using an extended LD musculocutaneous (eLDMC) flap after partial mastectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients who underwent partial mastectomy and an eLDMC flap, received only PORTx, and underwent chest computed tomography (CT) 7 to 10 days after surgery and 18±4 months after the end of radiotherapy, from March 2011 to June 2016. The motor nerve to the LD was resected in all patients. One plastic surgeon performed the procedures, and the follow-up period was at least 36 months (mean, 46.6 months). The author obtained LD measurements from axial CT views, and the measurements were verified by an experienced radiologist. The threshold for statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in the LD volume was found after the end of PORTx (range, 61.19%-80.82%; mean, 69.04%) in comparison to the measurements obtained 7 to 10 days postoperatively (P<0.05). All cases were observed clinically for over 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: The size of an eLDMC flap should be determined considering an average LD reduction of 69% after PORTx. Particular care should be taken in determining the size of an eLDMC flap if the LD is thick or if it occupies a large portion of the flap.

Volumetric change of the latissimus dorsi muscle after immediate breast reconstruction with an extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap.

BACKGROUND: In immediate breast reconstruction using an extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (eLDMC) flap, the volume of the flap decreases, which causes a secondary deformity of the breast shape. Since little research has investigated this decrease in muscle volume, the authors conducted an objective study to characterize the decrease in muscle volume after breast reconstruction using an eLDMC flap. METHODS: Research was conducted from October 2011 to November 2016. The subjects included 23 patients who underwent mastectomy due to breast cancer, received immediate reconstruction using an eLDMC flap without any adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and received a computed tomography (CT) scan from days 7 to 10 after surgery and 6 to 8 months postoperatively. In 10 patients, an additional CT scan was conducted 18 months postoperatively. Axial CT scans were utilized to measure the volumetric change of the latissimus dorsi muscle during the follow-up period. RESULTS: In the 23 patients, an average decrease of 54.5% was observed in the latissimus dorsi muscle volume between the images obtained immediately postoperatively and the scans obtained 6 to 8 months after surgery. Ten patients showed an average additional decrease of 11.9% from 6-8 months to 18 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We studied changes in the volume of the latissimus dorsi muscle after surgery using an eLDMC flap performed after a mastectomy without adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In this study, we found that immediate breast reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi muscle flap led to a decrease in muscle volume of up to 50%.

The efficacy of elongated axillary incision on extended latissimus dorsi flap for immediate breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: In performing extended latissimus dorsi (ELD) flap procedures, a skin paddle design on the bra line helps reduce visible scarring. This improves the patient's satisfaction with the outcome. However, such a design leads to a longer operation time and increased fatigue of the surgeon due to the narrow operative field. In this study, the authors propose a method that elongates the axillary incision line posteriorly by 1.5 cm from the lateral border of the latissimus dorsi muscle. We examined whether this method could shorten the operation time and compared the incidence of complications between patients who underwent this novel procedure and patients who underwent the traditional procedure. METHODS: In this study of patients who underwent ELD flap procedures for immediate breast reconstruction, 89 underwent surgery with the elongated axillary incision and 45 underwent surgery without the elongated incision. The total operation time and complications were retrospectively examined based on the patients' medical records, and we examined whether there was any statistically significant difference in the total operation time. RESULTS: In the experimental group with the elongated axillary incision, the operation time ranged from 125 to 255 minutes (median, 175 minutes). In contrast, in the control group without the elongated axillary incision, the operation time ranged from 142 and 340 minutes (median, 205 minutes). The operation time was statistically significantly different between the two groups, and no significant complications were observed in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: Elongation of the axillary incision alone may shorten the operation time of the ELD flap procedure without causing additional complications.

Trapezius flaps for reconstruction of head and neck defects following oncological resection - A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Head and neck (H&N) reconstruction after cancer resection is challenging. Myocutaneous trapezius flaps provide an alternative reconstruction for patients not suitable for microvascular free tissue transfer. METHODS: A systematic review was performed on studies involving trapezius flaps for H&N reconstruction post oncological resection between the years 1985-2015. Data extracted included patient numbers and demographics, operative technique and complications. Complication rates, for the study cohort, were calculated and a univariate analysis was preformed evaluating patient and flap-related risk factors. RESULTS: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 157 trapezius flaps. Intraoral defects were the most frequent recipient site (74.5%). The mean skin paddle width was 6.84 cm (range 3-15 cm) and length was 11.1 cm (range 4-25 cm). Type 2 (superficial branch of transverse cervical artery) accounted for 77.1% (118/153) of all trapezius flaps performed. The complication rate was 15.9%, with 15 reported flap related and 7 donor site complications. Skin paddle size, pedicle selection, primary versus salvage reconstruction and radiotherapy were not identified risk factors for complications. CONCLUSION: Trapezius flaps are a reliable and versatile myocutaneous flap for both primary and salvage surgery reconstruction of H&N defects following oncological resection.

Comparison of morbidity-related seroma formation following conventional latissimus dorsi flap versus muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The pedicled, descending-branch muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi (MSLD) flap has been widely used for breast reconstruction following total mastectomy. However, the superiority of the MSLD flap compared to the conventional latissimus dorsi (CLD) flap in preventing seroma formation has not been demonstrated. This study compares the morbidities related to seroma formation following pedicled MSLD flap and CLD flap breast reconstruction. METHODS: A total of 15 women who underwent partial mastectomy and immediate partial breast reconstruction with MSLD flaps were compared with 15 women under identical conditions with CLD flap breast reconstruction. The medical records were reviewed for both complications and demographic data. The authors compared morbidity, including donor-site seroma, total volume of drain discharge, indwelling period of drainage, and length of hospital stay following both MSLD flap and CLD flap breast reconstruction. RESULTS: The demographic data of the 2 groups were not significantly different. Donor-site seroma occurred in 2 MSLD patients (13.3%) and in 6 CLD patients (40.0%). The total volume of the drain discharge and the indwelling period of drainage at donor site were significantly lower in the MSLD group. The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (by approximately a day and a half) for the MSLD group. CONCLUSION: The MSLD flap, with its low complication rate and associated minimal functional and aesthetic deficits at the donor site, may be a useful option for small breast reconstruction if earlier discharge from hospital is demanded.

The Role of Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy in Latissimus Dorsi Flap Donor Site Seroma Prevention: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Donor site seroma is the most common complication after latissimus dorsi (LD) flap harvest. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in preventing donor site seroma formation after the harvest of an LD flap for breast reconstruction. METHODS: In this prospective matched-pair study, 40 patients in whom an LD flap was harvested for breast reconstruction were enrolled. NPWT was used in 20 patients, and in a control group composed of another 20 patients, the conventional donor site dressing technique was used. Information was collected regarding postoperative complications, the incidence of seroma, total drainage volume, the number of percutaneous seroma aspirations, and the volume aspirated. RESULTS: In the NPWT group, the incidence of seroma formation after drain removal was significantly lower than in the control group (15% vs. 70%; odds ratio=0.07; relative risk, 0.24). Both the mean percutaneous aspirated volume (P=0.004) and the number of percutaneous aspirations (P=0.001) were also significantly lower in the NPWT group. There were no significant differences in the total drainage volume or the duration of wound drainage between the NPWT dressing group and the control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that NPWT is a promising tool for reducing the incidence of seroma formation after removing the drain at the donor site after LD flap harvesting. It is a simple and safe technique.

The Trapezius Muscle Flap: A Viable Alternative for Posterior Scalp and Neck Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The trapezius muscle flap is not usually the first reconstructive option for skin and soft tissue defects in the posterior neck and scalp due to surgeons' unfamiliarity with the surgical anatomy and developments in free tissue transfer techniques. The goals of this study were to describe the clinical use of trapezius flaps in posterior neck and scalp reconstruction, and to investigate the vascular anatomy of trapezius flaps in Asians in order to obtain information facilitating the safe design and elevation of flaps in which most of the muscle is preserved. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of 10 patients who underwent trapezius muscle flap for posterior neck and scalp defects. We also performed an anatomical study of 16 flaps harvested from 8 preserved Asian adult cadavers and evaluated the main landmarks relevant for trapezius muscle flap. RESULTS: In the anatomical study, the mean vertical height from the inferior angle of the scapula to the point at which the superficial cervical artery penetrated the trapezius was 4.31±2.14 cm. The mean vertical height of the trapezius muscle flap pivot point was 9.53±2.08 cm from the external occipital protuberance. Among the 10 flaps, partial necrosis on the overlaid skin graft occurred in 1 patient and postoperative seroma occurred in another patient. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular variations in the trapezius muscle flap are uncommon in Asians, but when present, such variations appear to have little impact on harvesting the flap or on its circulation. The trapezius muscle flap is a viable alternative for posterior neck and scalp reconstruction.

Long-term results of oncoplastic breast surgery with latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction: a pilot study of the objective cosmetic results and patient reported outcome.

PURPOSE: The goal of oncoplastic breast surgery is to restore the appearance of the breast and improve patient satisfaction. Thus, the assessment of cosmetic results and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) using appropriately constructed and validated instruments is essential. The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term objective cosmetic results and corresponding PROs after oncoplastic breast surgery. METHODS: Cosmetic results were assessed by the patients, a medical panel, and a computer program (BCCT.core). PROs were assessed using BREAST-Q, a questionnaire that measures the perception of patients having breast surgery. The cosmetic results and PROs were analyzed in patients who underwent quadrantectomy and partial breast reconstruction utilizing the latissimus dorsi flap. RESULTS: The mean duration of the follow-up period was 91.6 months (range, 33.3-171.0 months), and mean age of the patients was 51 years old (range, 33-72 years). The mean tumor size was 2.1 cm (range, 0.9-5.5 cm). There was fair agreement between the medical panel and BCCT.core score (K = 0.32, P < 0.001), and a statistically significant correlation between the BCCT.core score and medical panel cosmetic results was identified (r = 0.606, P < 0.001). A better BCCT.core result was related to a higher PRO of each BREAST-Q domain-satisfaction with breasts (R(2) = 0.070, P = 0.039), satisfaction with outcome (R(2) = 0.087, P = 0.021), psychosocial well-being (R(2) = 0.085, P = 0.023), sexual well-being (R(2) = 0.082, P = 0.029), and satisfaction with information (R(2) = 0.064, P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Our long-term results of oncoplastic surgery achieved a high level of patient satisfaction with good cosmetic results. The medical panel and BCCT.core results correlated well with the PROs of the patients using valid, reliable, and procedure-specific measures.