title: Progressive tension sutures to prevent seroma formation after latissimus dorsi harvest.
abstract: The latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a versatile flap used in a variety of reconstructive procedures. The major complication reported with its use is donor-site seroma, reported to occur in 20 to 79 percent of cases. A retrospective review of 47 patients undergoing latissimus dorsi muscle harvest from April of 1998 through May of 2002 was performed. Progressive tension sutures were used during donor-site closure in 22 patients from March of 2000 through May of 2002. This group was compared with historical controls from April of 1998 through March of 2000 (n = 23) who underwent latissimus dorsi harvest without use of the technique. Seven of 23 controls (30 percent) developed seromas at the donor site, compared with 0 of 22 (Fisher's exact text, p = 0.0092). The authors conclude that use of progressive tension sutures placed at the time of donor-site closure is an effective method to reduce or eliminate the most common complication associated with latissimus dorsi harvest. Technique recommendations are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, 75390, USA.
authors.forename: Jose L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Rios
authors.forename: Todd
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pollock
authors.forename: William P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Adams
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods