Simple volume estimation of the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in Asian breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is surgery where aesthetics are of the utmost importance, and to achieve symmetry is the ultimate goal. Preoperative volume estimation of a transfer flap can be helpful to achieve symmetry. This study demonstrated a simple volume estimation of the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LDMC) flap. It recorded each patient's body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) and the weight of the LDMC flap in 21 cases of breast reconstruction, and examined the association between flap weight and patient body weight, height, and body mass index by linear regression analysis. Statistical association was found between flap weight and body weight and between flap weight and BMI. Linear regression analysis also revealed that the weight of the flap could be estimated from the patient's body weight and BMI.