[Transplantation of free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps for craniomaxillofacial reconstruction].
OBJECTIVE
This clinical study was to improve the surgical treatment to craniomaxillofacial tissue defects.


METHODS
Since 1997, eight cases with severe craniomaxillofacial defects were treated using free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. In the operation, nerve anastomosis was performed. Of the 8 cases, 7 were treated in one stage, 1 was treated in 3 steps. The craniomaxillofacial defects ranged from 10 cm x 8 cm to 30 cm x 12 cm. The flaps was 12 cm x 10 cm to 32 cm x 16 cm in size.


RESULTS
Postoperative follow-up for 6 months to 4 years demonstrated satisfactory results in all the cases. There was neither necrosis nor ulcer after the operation. The sensation recovery of the flap was also satisfactory.


CONCLUSIONS
Free transfer of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is an ideal treatment to severe craniomaxillofacial defects as it possesses the advantages of reliable blood supply, ability against infections, large size, concealed donor site, and functional restoration of sensation and movement.
He
Chu-yu
CY
Department of Plastic Surgery, Nanhua Hospital, Nanhua University, Hengyang 421002, China.
Lu
Xing-an
XA
Tang
Ju-yu
JY
Liu
Jun
J
Xie
Song-lin
SL
Liu
Ming-jiang
MJ
Zhou
Xing-jun
XJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019767:Maxillofacial Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome