[Severe thoracic radionecrosis: muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap (MSLD)]

Cutaneous radionecrosis and osteoradionecrosis are severe complications of the radiotherapy which can arise after a variable free interval. The loss of substance is frequently associated with a peripheral radiodermatitis and stays an infectious front door exposing patients to a sepsis. The reference treatment remains surgical and consists in realizing the debridment of necrosis tissues associated with flap in order to cover the soft tissus defect. The purpose of our study is to estimate efficiency and tolerance of management radionecrosis thoracique by muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap (MSLD).

We realized a study on a series of cases of thoracic radionecrosis with costal exposure covered by MSLD. Fat transfer into peripheral radiodermitis was performed at the same time surgical. Efficiency and tolerance surgery were estimated. The duration of the postoperative antibiotic treatment was estimated. The complications (hematoma, infection, cutaneous suffering, necrosis, seroma, radionecrosis relapse) were screened. The follow-up was realized by the same surgeon.

Seven patients managed by the same surgeon were included, They had radionecrosis after radiotherapy for processing adjuvanting of mastectomy after breast cancer. The average age was 66 years (from 61 to 76 years). The average time of hospitalisation was of four days. The average follow-up was of six months. The average treatment of the antibiotic treatment was four weeks. We didn't notice any complications and any recurrence of the radionecrosis. We noticed one dorsal collection (30 cm(3)) 15 days after surgical procedure for one patient. The follow-up showed a stable and good quality cutaneous cover in six months postoperative.

MSLD flap is reliable and reproducible to cover moderate thoracic defect. The surgical parage-wash has a fundamental importance to avoid any infectious complication. The management of the thoracic radionecrosis is complex and multidisciplinary. In conclusion, MSLD flap seems to be an elegant surgical alternative insuring a custom-made optimal cover with a reduction of the morbidity of the site donor.