Clinical Experience With the Lateral Thoracodorsal Flap in Breast Reconstruction

The Role of the Lateral Thoracodorsal Fasciocutaneous Flap in Immediate Conservative Breast Surgery Reconstruction

“…Despite this complication not being mentioned in previous clinical series, [12][13][14][15][16][17] it was observed in 8.8 percent of our patients. In these cases, a late lateral hypertrophic and depressed scar was observed.…”

“…[12][13][14] However, little information is available regarding the outcome following conservative breast surgery reconstruction. 17 To date, there are few detailed clinical reports that specifically address the use of the lateral thoracodorsal fasciocutaneous flap for immediate reconstruction and its outcome and complications.…”

“…Since the original study, other groups have continually reported on their clin- Volume 117, Number 6 • Conservative Breast Reconstruction ical experience with lateral thoracodorsal fasciocutaneous flap breast reconstruction. [12][13][14][15][16] All of them observed that the procedure, associated with an implant, is useful for the delayed reconstruction of small-to medium-sized breasts. With the axis located in the lateral and dorsal extensions of the submammary fold, its major clinical application is in patients who refuse higher morbidity procedures or are not good candidates for more extensive autologous tissue transplantation, particularly, myocutaneous flaps.…”

“…Because the flap is not an axial flap, flap vascularization to the most distant parts is difficult to predict. 4,13 This situation can predispose to partial necrosis (skin and fat) and an undesirable result. Although our study demonstrated a low incidence of flap complications, care must be taken in high-risk patients such as smokers and patients with associated comorbid diseases.…”

“…4 -6 Described as a fasciocutaneous flap in the 1980s, 12 the lateral thoracodorsal flap is a wellstudied procedure for late breast reconstruction following radical surgery. [12][13][14][15][16] Although it is a reliable technique, little information has been available regarding clinical outcome following conservative breast surgery reconstruction. 17 In addition, there are no previous detailed clinical reports that specifically address the operative planning, outcome, and complications after immediate breast reconstruction.…”