Marie C Missana1, Cristophe Pomel. 1. Department of Surgical Oncology and Breast Reconstructive Surgery, Gustave Roussy Institute, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 39 Rue Camille Desmoulins, 94 800 Villejuif, France. missana@igr.fr
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Immediate breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is a standard technique that allows for cosmetically acceptable results yet leaves a great scar on the donor site. To reduce the scars, we have been using a different surgical technique consisting of endoscopic harvesting of the latissimus dorsi pure muscular flap with a virtual cavity created by CO2 gas distention. METHODS: Between May 1, 2001, and June 30, 2005, there were 52 patients who underwent latissimus dorsi endoscopic harvesting for an immediate breast reconstruction after a skin-sparing mastectomy. RESULTS: The mean surgical endoscopic time was 64 minutes. There was one conversion to an open technique. We reported no deaths, but complications included 2 hematomas, 6 inflammatory syndromes, and 1 pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic harvesting of the latissimus dorsi flap when performed with this mixed technique is feasible, reproducible, and permits a significant reduction of incision size and postoperative pain, with good aesthetic results.
BACKGROUND: Immediate breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is a standard technique that allows for cosmetically acceptable results yet leaves a great scar on the donor site. To reduce the scars, we have been using a different surgical technique consisting of endoscopic harvesting of the latissimus dorsi pure muscular flap with a virtual cavity created by CO2 gas distention. METHODS: Between May 1, 2001, and June 30, 2005, there were 52 patients who underwent latissimus dorsi endoscopic harvesting for an immediate breast reconstruction after a skin-sparing mastectomy. RESULTS: The mean surgical endoscopic time was 64 minutes. There was one conversion to an open technique. We reported no deaths, but complications included 2 hematomas, 6 inflammatory syndromes, and 1 pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic harvesting of the latissimus dorsi flap when performed with this mixed technique is feasible, reproducible, and permits a significant reduction of incision size and postoperative pain, with good aesthetic results.
Authors: Joaquim Muñoz I Vidal; Tiago A Gomes Rodrigues; Josep M Serra Payro; Juan Maria Viñals Viñals; Mike Dewever Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open Date: 2014-04-07