Latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap used as a pedicle or free microvascular graft

In our experience with 28 latissimus dorsi (LD) island pedicle musculocutaneous flaps we found it to be the best method in breast, chest wall and axillary reconstructions. the flap can be also easily extended to the face and used reversed, to cover lumbar defects. In the series of 11 free microvascular composite tissue to vascularize and restore deep and extensive soft tissue defects in the lower extremity, in the forearm and in the face. If a neurosensory flap or reconstruction and reinnervation of muscles of the extremity is necessary other tissues than a LD flap should be chosen.