title: Endoscopic latissimus dorsi flap harvesting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Immediate breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is a standard technique that allows for cosmetically acceptable results yet leaves a great scar on the donor site. To reduce the scars, we have been using a different surgical technique consisting of endoscopic harvesting of the latissimus dorsi pure muscular flap with a virtual cavity created by CO2 gas distention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between May 1, 2001, and June 30, 2005, there were 52 patients who underwent latissimus dorsi endoscopic harvesting for an immediate breast reconstruction after a skin-sparing mastectomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean surgical endoscopic time was 64 minutes. There was one conversion to an open technique. We reported no deaths, but complications included 2 hematomas, 6 inflammatory syndromes, and 1 pulmonary embolism.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The endoscopic harvesting of the latissimus dorsi flap when performed with this mixed technique is feasible, reproducible, and permits a significant reduction of incision size and postoperative pain, with good aesthetic results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Oncology and Breast Reconstructive Surgery, Gustave Roussy Institute, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 39 Rue Camille Desmoulins, 94 800 Villejuif, France. missana@igr.fr
authors.forename: Marie C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Missana
authors.forename: Cristophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pomel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome