Use of a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for one-stage reconstruction of the thoracic wall after en bloc resection of primary rib chondrosarcoma in five dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a thoracic wall reconstructive technique using a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap after en bloc resection of primary rib chondrosarcoma and report outcome in 5 dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Dogs (n=5) with primary rib chondrosarcoma.


METHODS
Medical records (2003-2005) were reviewed for signalment, staging investigations, surgical findings, complications, and outcomes. Owners and veterinary surgeons were contacted for outcome information.


RESULTS
A latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap provided an air-tight thoracic wall closure after chondrosarcoma resection. Paradoxical respiratory movement of the flap occurred; however, from physical examination and blood gas analysis (2 dogs), ventilation was adequate. All flaps survived, 1 had superficial skin necrosis distally and 2 had minor wound dehiscence. One dog without tumor-free margins died of tumor-related disease 56 days after surgery. Tumor recurrence did not occur in 4 dogs with tumor-free margins. One dog was euthanatized 10 months after surgery for unrelated disease; 3 dogs were alive at writing (median follow-up: 20 months; range, 18-27 months) and all had a satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Reconstruction of ventral thoracic wall defects using a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap yields a functional, cosmetic outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
A latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap can be used as a successful 1-stage reconstructive technique for ventral thoracic wall defects.
Halfacree
Zoe J
ZJ
Royal Veterinary College, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK. zhalfacree@rvc.ac.uk
Baines
Stephen J
SJ
Lipscomb
Victoria J
VJ
Grierson
James
J
Summers
Brian A
BA
Brockman
Daniel J
DJ
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D000818:Animals; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D002813:Chondrosarcoma / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000662:veterinary*; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome