Variants of Extended Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap for Large Wounds in Extremities

Abstract

Background: Extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LDMC) flap increasing the size of the flap and most used for breast reconstruction. This report will share our experience in designing different extended LDMC flap for large wounds in extremities.Patients and methods: From January 2004 to December 2018, extended LDMC flaps were performed on 72 consecutive patients aged 2 to 68 years (37 men and 35 women). All the wounds were extensive, either in upper or lower limbs, the skin defect ranged from 18 ×10 cm2 to 37 × 21 cm2. Single wing and double wings extended LDMC flaps were designed and harvested based on the wounds.Results: Seventy-two patients included this series, 5 pedicle and 67 free flaps were successfully harvested. The mean flap harvest time was 56.2 min. The donor sites were closed primarily in all patients. The venous compromise was noticed on the first postoperative day in 4 cases. Two flaps were salvaged after emergency re-exploration, another two patient’s flaps were total necrosis. One of the patients was received lower extremity amputation, another patient was repaired by extended LDMC flap on the other side. The wounds healed well, providing reliable soft tissue coverage and good contour in the reconstructed areas. Five patients lost follow-up, the follow-up period ranged from 10 to 56 months (mean, 15.7 months). Patients didn’t occur significant donor site morbidities that influenced their daily activities during follow-up.Conclusion: The single wing and double wings extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps are simple and reliable methods for large skin and soft-tissue defects in extremities.