[Breast reconstruction by musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap with single scar and transverse paddle].
OBJECTIVE
One of the most frequently used flap in breast reconstruction after mastectomy is the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. We present a novel method of sampling by extending the mastectomy scar back until the skin paddle. On the one hand, this technique facilitates the transfer of the flap in thoracic region, on the other hand, it allows for larger skin paddle and maximize new breast contour reintegrating the ear skin during the modeling.


METHODS
The data of 37 patients operated by this technique between 2006 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Cosmetic results were analyzed from photographs by a plastic surgeon who was not the operator.


RESULTS
The results were highly satisfactory in 45% cases, satisfactory in 40% of cases, fair in 12% of cases and inadequate in 3% of cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The main advantage of this technique is to collect large skin paddle with a larger width at the ends through increasing opportunities for modeling.
Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, hôpital Saint-Louis, 1, avenue Claude-Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France. dr.luini@gmail.com
J
J
Luini
M
M
Chaouat
C
C
Uzzan
D
D
Boccara
M
M
Mimoun
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D064827:Myocutaneous Flap / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques