title: Novel technique for laparoscopic harvesting of latissimus dorsi flap with prosthesis implantation for breast reconstruction: A preliminary study with 2 case reports.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An important drawback of the traditional technique for harvesting latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap is a long, posterior donor-site incision. Current techniques involve endoscopic or robotic harvesting via a combined approach of open and closed surgery, which necessitates an open axillary incision and the use of special retractors. In this paper, we introduce a fully enclosed laparoscopic technique for harvesting LD flap (LDF) using only 3 small trocar ports. This technique eliminates the need for axillary and donor-site incisions and specialized retractors and considerably reduces the incision size.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed laparoscopic harvesting of LDF with prosthesis implantation for immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after nipple-sparing mastectomy in 2 patients with malignant breast neoplasm who wished to avoid a long scar on the back.
  
  
  RESULTS
  IBR using this technique was uneventful in both cases, without any donor-site complications or flap failure. Both patients were satisfied with the esthetic results of the procedure, especially the absence of a visible scar on the back.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Enclosed laparoscopic harvesting of LDF is simpler and less invasive than the traditional methods. These preliminary results warrant further evaluation in a larger population to validate the benefits of this technique.
authors.affiliation: Breast Disease Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
authors.forename: Shuman
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Peng
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Xianchun
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Xi
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Qinwen
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: Yu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gui
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000379:methods*; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D064171:Superficial Back Muscles / Q000637:transplantation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting; D016896:Treatment Outcome