The formation of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap in the dorsal decubitus position

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The latissimus dorsi muscle is located on the lateral-posterior chest wall. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap (LDMF) has extensive applications due to its consistent anatomy, which contributes to its use in plastic surgery. This muscle can be dissected in the dorsal decubitus (DD) position; this removes the need for a change in patient position and enables microsurgical reconstruction to be performed. This study aimed to describe the technique used for the dissection and transfer of the LDMF in the DD position.

Methods:

We evaluated 10 cases of LDMF formation performed in the University Hospital of the Federal University of Alagoas. The surgical procedures of individualization of the flaps and their positioning in the receiver region were similar in all ten cases. The evaluation of the muscle and the demarcation of the flap were performed with the patient in the standing position. Then, with the patient in the DD position, anesthetic induction was initiated and the operating field prepared. The neurovascular pedicle was formed by incising the top edge of the ellipse that delimits the LDMF, dissecting the insertion tendon of the muscle, and removing the flap necessary for the reconstruction of the receiver area.

Results:

The patient was in the DD position during the intraoperative period, even during the dissection of muscle flaps, and the technique used had no surgical disadvantages.

Conclusion:

It is possible to perform the dissection and individualization of the LDMF with the patient in the DD position.

Keywords:
Dorsal decubitus position; Superficial muscles of the back; Surgical flaps