Table of Contents
What is latissimus flap surgery?
Latissimus dorsi flap technique: A surgical technique that uses muscle, fat and skin tunneled under the skin and tissue of a woman’s back to the reconstructed breast and remains attached to its donor site, leaving blood supply intact.
How do you sleep after latissimus dorsi surgery?
It is important that when you go home you continue to sleep with the head of your bed elevated at 30 to 45 degree angle. You can use 4-5 pillows under your upper body to keep elevated or sleep in a recliner. This will help reduce the amount of swelling to the chest wall.
What position does the patient begin for a latissimus dorsi implant reconstruction surgery?
The preferred position is lateral decubitus because it allows exposure of both the anterior and posterior operating fields. This is useful for planning and enables room for the assistant to prepare the recipient site.
How long is latissimus dorsi surgery?
Patients are generally counseled that the surgery will take 3 to 4 hours for a typical latissimus breast reconstruction. Postoperatively, they have 2 donor site drains and 1 to 2 breast drains.
Why is a latissimus dorsi used in breast reconstruction?
Reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap produces a breast with ptosis and projection while maintaining the natural consistency and feel of normal tissue. This flap provides ample bulk for reconstruction due to the large surface of the muscle.
Do you need to wear a bra after breast reconstruction?
Wearing a bra after you have recovered from reconstruction is largely a matter of personal preference. However, many patients choose to do so in order to support their new breasts and potentially reduce future sagging. It also tends to be more comfortable than going braless.
What is better DIEP flap or implants?
Women who have undergone chemotherapy for months do not wish to get implants that would again require future surgeries or revision. The DIEP flap breast reconstruction technique is an extensive surgery, but in case of future radiation requirement, the implants would have to be removed and DIEP remains the best choice.
Do reconstructed nipples have feeling?
A: Sensation after nipple-sparing mastectomy again is variable. Some women — up to 30% to 60%, depending on the particular study — report sensation in the nipple, especially over time. That, of course, is completely not possible with a reconstructed nipple.
How much does a DIEP procedure cost?
The researchers determined that the incremental cost of a DIEP flap reconstruction was $21,613 for unilateral reconstructions and $19,052 for bilateral procedures compared with implants.
Do nerves grow back after mastectomy?
Fortunately, there is a treatment that can help to overcome the issue of desensitization following a mastectomy. This is known as nerve regeneration.
What is a latissimus dorsi flap procedure?
In a latissimus dorsi flap procedure, an oval flap of skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels from your upper back is used to reconstruct the breast. This flap is moved under your skin around to your chest to rebuild your breast. The blood vessels (artery and vein) of the flap are left attached to their original blood supply in your back.
What is the latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction method?
The latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction method is a tissue flap procedure that takes its name from the latissimus dorsi muscle in your upper back. Learning about the latissimus dorsi breast construction method, its advantages and disadvantages, and what to expect can help you better determine if this procedure is right for you.
What is the latissimus dorsi muscle used for?
With the rectus muscle and radial forearm flap, it represents one of the workhorse flaps in reconstructive microsurgery. When re-innervated using the thoracodorsal nerve, the latissimus can be used as a functional muscle. The muscle takes origin on the iliac crest inferiorly and the thoracolumbar fascia posteriorly near the midline.
How much fascia can be left on the latissimus dorsi?
A small amount of muscular fascia can be left on the latissimus, but this is not necessary. Any comfortable plane for the surgeon is adequate. The skin and fat flaps are elevated to the extent of the pocket necessary for adequate muscle size harvest. Smaller muscle can be taken if the entirety of the muscle is not needed.