The extended latissimus dorsi flap in oncology breast reconstruction: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Abstract The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was one of the first methods of oncology breast reconstruction described. However, the standard latissimus dorsi flap alone often does not provide sufficient volume for breast reconstruction, it may have not been the first choice anymore. The design of an extended latissimus dorsi flap has involved including the parascapular and scapula fat fascia in addition to the lumbar fat for additional volume. The main advantage of the extended latissimus dorsi flap is that it can provide autogenous tissue to restore breast volume, it is suitable for Asian women whose breasts are not too large. The author reported the first case of breast reconstruction after mastectomy using the extended latissimus dorsi flap at Viet Duc University Hospital with a 5-year follow up and literature review. Keywords: Extended latissimus flap, breast reconstruction, breast cancer.