Breast Reconstruction using the Anterior Approach Scarless Latissimus Dorsi Muscular flap: A Single Center Retrospective Study

Abstract

SUMMARY: Introduction: Scarless latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is a breast reconstruction technique, which allow to cover the lower pole of implant with a large portion of the LD muscle without skin paddle; it represents a surgical solution that transpose vascularized tissue avoiding the failure of breast reconstruction, following necrosis of mastectomy skin flaps. Material and Method: A retrospective review of patients undergoing immediate or delayed breast reconstruction using scarless LD flap reconstructions was performed. Clinical data obtained from follow-up visits were recorded. To evaluate breast shape contentment and patient satisfaction, the patients were requested to answer the Breast-Q, version 2.0 reduction module postoperative scales questionnaire at the 12-month follow-up. Results: We performed 19 scarless LD flap reconstructions between September 2019 and June 2022. The surgical time in average (considering minutes ± SD) was 130 (±15) minutes. The aesthetic assessment was good/excellent in 83% of patients. This was statistically significant (P=0.0). Conclusions: The scarless LD flap reconstruction is a valid and reliable solution, which has the advantage to reduce the risk of exposed prosthesis if native skin necrosis occurs.

Keywords

• Anterior approach scarless latissimus dorsi flap
• Autologous breast reconstruction
• Latissimus dorsi muscle