Summary
The reduced latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is a recently reported flap, consisting of a proximal musculocutaneous unit and a distal, thin fasciocutaneous or cutaneous unit. It can be used to obtain satisfactory contour of the recipient site. In cases where a larger and thinner flap is required, we employ pretransfer tissue expansion of the reduced latissimus dorsi flap. Application of the tissue expander appears to increase both the area and the vascularity of the flap. We have so far employed two pedicled and four free-expanded reduced latissimus dorsi flaps in the repair of a variety of defects. All of these flaps survived, and suitable contour, along with primary closure of the donor site, was obtained.
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Iwahira, Y., Maruyama, Y. Expanded reduced latissimus dorsi flap. Eur J Plast Surg 14, 280–284 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00216902
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00216902