Are there any other uses for the latissimus dorsi flap?
Because of the low risk of fat necrosis, latissimus dorsi flaps are favored for reconstruction of smaller defects from breast conservation surgery, for example following lumpectomy or quadrantectomy. In these instances an implant is often not needed. The latissimus flap can be used in reconstruction following “skin-sparing” mastectomies and is an integral part of the PEG procedure. In a rare condition known as Poland’s Syndrome where there is a partial absence of the breast and its underlying pectoral musculature, the latissimus flap is used to reconstruct the fold in the front of the axilla. Like the TRAM flap the latissimus flap has many uses in plastic surgery in addition to breast reconstruction.
