Comparison of morbidity-related seroma formation following conventional latissimus dorsi flap versus muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction

Abstract

Purpose: The pedicled, descending-branch muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi (MSLD) flap has been widely used for breast reconstruction following total mastectomy. However, the superiority of the MSLD flap compared to the conventional latissimus dorsi (CLD) flap in preventing seroma formation has not been demonstrated. This study compares the morbidities related to seroma formation following pedicled MSLD flap and CLD flap breast reconstruction.

Methods: A total of 15 women who underwent partial mastectomy and immediate partial breast reconstruction with MSLD flaps were compared with 15 women under identical conditions with CLD flap breast reconstruction. The medical records were reviewed for both complications and demographic data. The authors compared morbidity, including donor-site seroma, total volume of drain discharge, indwelling period of drainage, and length of hospital stay following both MSLD flap and CLD flap breast reconstruction.

Results: The demographic data of the 2 groups were not significantly different. Donor-site seroma occurred in 2 MSLD patients (13.3%) and in 6 CLD patients (40.0%). The total volume of the drain discharge and the indwelling period of drainage at donor site were significantly lower in the MSLD group. The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (by approximately a day and a half) for the MSLD group.

Conclusion: The MSLD flap, with its low complication rate and associated minimal functional and aesthetic deficits at the donor site, may be a useful option for small breast reconstruction if earlier discharge from hospital is demanded.

Keywords: Mammaplasty; Seroma; Superficial back muscles.

Fig. 1. The area of flap elevation. Flap is elevated along dotted line. Red-shaded area shows muscle part of flap, while yellow-shaded area shows fat tissue of flap. (A) Conventional latissimus dorsi (CLD) flap elevation. (B) Muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi (MSLD) flap elevation. Flap elevation and separation of descending branch of thoracodorsal artery is shown. Latissimus dorsi muscle is split vertically along its natural muscle fiber orientation. Pedicle width of harvested latissimus dorsi muscle is shown.

Fig. 2. Patient satisfaction. Satisfaction was higher in patients after nipple reconstruction in muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi (MSLD) flap group than in conventional latissimus dorsi (CLD) flap group.

Fig. 3. (A) Preoperative view of 42-year-old patient with left breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ). (B) Intraoperative view after harvest of 7 × 14-cm muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi (MSLD) flap based on descending branch of thoracodorsal artery with 4 cm wide latissimus dorsi muscle cuff. Pivot point of MSLD flap was at bifurcation level of main pedicle into descending and transverse branches. Flap weight is 245 g. (C) Intraoperative view of donor site. Dotted line indicates preserved latissimus dorsi muscle in left back. (D) Postoperative appearance 9 months after breast reconstruction using MSLD flap. (E) 9-month postoperative view of donor site.

Fig. 4. (A) Preoperative photographs of 39-year-old patient with left breast cancer. (B) Intraoperative view after harvest of 6.5 × 13-cm muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap. Latissimus dorsi muscle was cut longitudinally along muscle fiber medial to descending branch of thoracodorsal artery. Size of harvested muscle strip is 5 cm in width. Flap weight is 146 g. (C) Image of flap in-setting to lateral partial defect in left breast. (D) Postoperative photographs at 14 months. (E) Donor scar within horizontal bra strap region.

Fig. 5. Schematic diagram demonstrates lymphatic system across different layers, including dermal, subdermal, fascia, and muscle.