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Free latissimus dorsi muscle transfer using an endoscopic technique
B C Cho1, J H Lee, S S Ramasastry
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu, Korea.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Endoscopic latissimus dorsi muscle harvest enables successful lower extremity reconstruction with smaller scars and reduced donor site morbidity. This minimally invasive technique offers reliable results for plastic surgery patients.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Endoscopic techniques are increasingly used in plastic surgery for aesthetic procedures.
- Recent advancements include endoscopic harvest of donor tissues for free flap transfers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of endoscopic latissimus dorsi muscle harvest for free flap transfer in lower extremity reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Endoscopic harvest of the latissimus dorsi muscle was performed in ten patients with lower extremity soft-tissue defects.
- A small initial incision allowed identification of the vascular pedicle, followed by endoscopic dissection.
- Harvested muscle size up to 15 x 25 cm was achieved.
Main Results:
- Successful reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in all ten patients.
- Follow-up ranged from 6 to 15 months, demonstrating reliable outcomes.
- The technique resulted in smaller scars and reduced donor site morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic latissimus dorsi muscle harvest is a safe and effective technique for plastic surgery.
- It offers advantages such as reduced scarring and postoperative morbidity.
- This method is particularly beneficial for patients prone to hypertrophic scars.