The free latissimus dorsi flap in reconstructive microsurgery.
The results are described of coverage of skin defects of the leg, foot and hand by use of a free vascularized musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap in 32 patients with previously incurable defects. Also presented are the case reports of three representative patients. The results show a success rate of 90%, with thrombosis of either the arterial or venous anastomoses as the only complications. Adequate postoperative screening (t.c. pO2, temperature, etc.) leads to early discovery of this thrombosis, after which revision can save the flap.
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013524:Surgical Flaps