A type of surgery used to rebuild the shape of the breast after a mastectomy. A muscle in the back called the latissimus dorsi, along with skin, fat, and blood vessels, is moved from the back to the chest to form a new breast mound or to form a pocket for a breast implant.

How long does latissimus dorsi flap surgery take?

A latissimus dorsi flap procedure lasts about 3 or 4 hours. After latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction surgery: You'll be moved to the recovery room after surgery, where hospital staff members will monitor your heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure.

Why is a latissimus dorsi used in breast reconstruction?

The latissimus dorsi helped to restore form and function by providing muscle coverage over the implant, replacing the breast skin and creating a natural ptosis. In subsequent years, numerous variations of the LDF were described for breast reconstruction.

How does latissimus dorsi flap work?

In a latissimus dorsi flap procedure, an oval flap of skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels from your upper back is used to reconstruct the breast. This flap is moved under your skin around to your chest to rebuild your breast.

What type of flap is latissimus dorsi?

The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) is one of the most reliable and versatile flaps used in reconstructive surgery. ... The latissimus dorsi may be transferred as a myofascial flap, a myocutaneous flap, or as a composite osteomyocutaneous flap when harvested with underlying serratus anterior muscle and rib.

Latissimus dorsi free flap

Is a latissimus dorsi flap a free flap?

The latissimus dorsi flap, either free or pedicled, transferred with or without the overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue, can be a technically simple flap to transfer and provide large swaths of pliable tissue for reconstruction of the head, neck, and torso.

How do you sleep after latissimus dorsi surgery?

You should sleep on your back the first six to eight weeks after surgery. Do not sleep on your side or your abdomen as this can compromise the breast flap or move the implant. It is recommended for you to sleep in a recliner, which will help prevent you from rolling to your side or stomach.

What is flap reconstructive surgery?

Flap reconstruction (also called tissue-based reconstruction) is a procedure that involves moving healthy, live tissue from one location on your body to another. Usually this live tissue is moved to areas that have lost skin, fat, muscle movement, and/or skeletal support.

What does the latissimus dorsi look like?

The latissimus dorsi muscle is a large, triangularly shaped back muscle that helps you do things like pull-ups, swimming and even breathing. It functions to stabilize your back while extending your shoulders. The latissimus dorsi muscle is often called the "lats" or the latissimus for short.

How long does it take to recover from muscle flap surgery?

It takes approximately two months for swelling and bruising to go away and up to two years for tissues to heal. Patients should plan to wear a surgical bra for six to eight weeks and to refrain from heavy exercise and certain sexual activities during this time.

How do you repair a torn latissimus dorsi?

The latissimus dorsi repair is done by making an incision in the back of arm, near the armpit. The ruptured tendon is then located, and sutures are placed in the end of the torn tendon. Those sutures are then used to pull the tendon back up to the arm bone where the tendon ruptured.

How do you relieve latissimus dorsi pain?

1. Rest by avoiding activities like exercising, which may cause more discomfort, pain, and swelling.
2. Ice the injured area by using an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this every 2 to 3 hours during the first few days after the injury.

How long is the latissimus dorsi muscle?

The latissimus dorsi muscle is the largest in the body and is up to 20-40 cm. The main functions of this muscle are: Helping to extend, move, and rotate the shoulder joint. Helping to keep the spine straight.

Do you lose weight after DIEP flap?

If you lose weight after DIEP surgery, your reconstructed breasts will likely decrease in size as well. This change may be minimally noticeable or drastic, depending on how your body reacts to weight loss.

Is breast reconstruction a major surgery?

Breast reconstruction is major surgery. A person can expect to spend several days in the hospital after both implant reconstruction and flap reconstruction. People may need more than one surgery to fully reconstruct the breast(s). Skin flap surgery has a longer recovery time than reconstruction using implants.

How difficult is the recovery from DIEP flap surgery?

Healing and recovery after DIEP flap breast reconstruction can be significantly easier than most patients think. With the implementation of ERAS Protocols, most patients experience little discomfort after surgery, require little if any narcotics, and can be discharged from the hospital after 3 days or less.

What dorsi means?

dorsi- in American English

1. of, on, or along the back. 2.

What is the main function of the latissimus dorsi?

Latissimus dorsi works collaboratively with the teres major and pectoralis major to perform actions of the upper extremity. Together, these muscles will work to adduct, medially rotate and extend the arm at the glenohumeral joint.

What is the origin and insertion of latissimus dorsi?

Origin of the latissimus dorsi is from spinous processes of thoracic T7–T12, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest and inferior 3 or 4 ribs, inferior angle of scapula and insertion on floor of intertubercular groove of the humerus. ... The latissimus dorsi may be used for the tendon graft surgeries.

Does flap surgery hurt?

Most patients experience some discomfort after a flap procedure. Depending on your needs, we may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter medicine. It is important to relax after surgery, as strenuous activity may cause the treated area to bleed.

How is flap surgery done?

dentists can perform a flap procedure to stop the progression of gum disease. It involves incising the gums and temporarily pulling the tissue away from the teeth to treat the roots and jawbone directly. dental practice provides multiple forms of anesthesia and sedation to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

What is the difference between a skin graft and a flap?

A “skin graft” is the transfer of a portion of the skin (without its blood supply) to a wound. A “flap” consists of one or more tissue components including skin, deeper tissues, muscle and bone.

How painful is a mastectomy?

You will have some pain after breast surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy or breast reconstruction). For most people, this pain is temporary and goes away after you heal from the surgery. About 20 percent of people have pain that lasts longer [240]. Pain right after surgery is usually due to injury to the skin or muscles.

How long does a lumpectomy surgery last?

Lumpectomy surgery is usually an outpatient surgery (patients go home the same day). The procedure itself usually takes about one hour to complete.

How long after mastectomy can you shower?

You may shower one day after the drain(s) is out and if you have a plastic dressing. If you have gauze and paper tape, you may remove it two days after surgery and shower after that. Use a towel to dry your incision thoroughly after showering.