title: Meningomyelocele closure with distally based latissimus dorsi flap.
abstract: Our experience with the distally based latissimus dorsi flap in 12 patients (7 primary closures and 5 secondary procedures) indicates that it is an extremely reliable and useful flap in this setting. It provides coverage of the dural repair with viable soft tissues under a minimum of tension. The suture lines are distant from the dural closure, the donor defect closes primarily, and in the event of a complete failure, the contralateral latissimus dorsi remains available. In those cases of meningomyelocele where direct primary closure is not possible, we view this as the procedure of choice.
mesh_terms: D001415:Back; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000601:surgery*; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D016136:Spina Bifida Occulta / Q000601:surgery; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps