The value of angiography prior to use of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap.
In 5 patients studied, preoperative angiography showed the thoracodorsal artery to be patent in two--both of them then had successful transfers of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. Obliteration of this artery was apparent in 3 patients, precluding the operation. We suggest that selective preoperative angiography be performed in all patients in whom a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transfer is being considered, as a patent thoracodorsal artery is essential to the success of this procedure.
D000328:Adult; D000792:Angiography; D001366:Axillary Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001940:Breast / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000637:transplantation*; D012782:Shoulder / Q000601:surgery; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013348:Subclavian Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*; D013903:Thoracic Surgery; D013909:Thorax / Q000601:surgery