The significance of latissimus dorsi flap innervation in delayed breast reconstruction: a prospective randomized study-magnetic resonance imaging and histologic findings

Abstract

Background: It is controversial whether surgical denervation of the thoracodorsal nerve should be performed in breast reconstruction with a myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap. Denervation may prevent discomforting symptoms caused by muscle contraction, but the flap may also lose significant volume. The authors prospectively evaluated the influence of latissimus dorsi flap innervation on the latissimus dorsi muscle structure in delayed breast reconstruction.

Methods: Between 2007 and 2008, 28 breast reconstructions were performed and divided randomly into the denervation group (surgical denervation by excision of 1 cm of thoracodorsal nerve, n = 14) and the intact group (thoracodorsal nerve saved intact, n = 14). Muscle biopsy specimens were taken during the operation and 6 months after reconstruction. Histologic (hematoxylin and eosin), immunohistochemical (human developmental, neonatal, slow, and fast myosin heavy chains), and morphometric analyses were performed. Magnetic resonance imaging of the breasts was performed 1 and 12 months after surgery.

Results: There was a significant decrease in type I and type II myofiber diameters from 0 to 6 months in both groups. Denervation caused more significant atrophy than disuse alone. However, there was no significant difference in flap thickness between groups that can be explained by more pronounced fatty tissue infiltration in the denervation group.

Conclusions: The authors' data suggest that the volume and consistency of the flap remain more or less the same, regardless of whether the thoracodorsal nerve is cut or not. Thus, in their practice, the authors do not cut the nerve to save surgical time.

Clinical question/level of evidence: Therapeutic, II.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01239524.