Modified lateral thoracodorsal flap: a way out of a difficult problem

Abstract

Background: Breast deformities, often attributable to surgical mutilations as a result of mammary carcinoma treatment, still are a challenge to plastic surgeons. Interesting alternatives for the frequently used musculocutaneous flaps are local flaps such as the lateral thoracodorsal flap developed by Holmström in 1986. This flap is simple to raise and involves no sacrifice of important muscular structures. This report aims to demonstrate the use of the modified lateral thoracodorsal flap in an immediate mammary reconstruction for a patient who refused any other scar.

Methods: A case report describes a patient presenting with breast cancer after reduction mammaplasty who was treated with a skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction.

Results: Satisfactory defect correction was accomplished with adequate silicone implant covering and a natural ptotic breast shape.

Conclusions: The versatility of this flap and its simple execution make it an important option for diverse breast reconstruction situations. The lateral thoracodorsal flap provides aesthetic results similar to those with other reconstruction methods, but without major complexity. The authors believe that it could be an interesting tool for the treatment of a breast anomaly.