External oblique myocutaneous flap coverage of large chest-wall defects following resection of breast tumors

The Best of Chest Wall Reconstruction: Principles and Clinical Application for Complex Oncologic and Sternal Defects

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Appraise and evaluate risk factors for respiratory compromise following oncologic resection. 2. Outline and apply an algorithmic approach to reconstruction of the chest wall based on defect composition, size, and characteristics of surrounding tissue. 3. Recognize and evaluate indications for and types of skeletal stabilization of the chest wall. 4. Critically consider, compare, and select pedicled and free flaps for chest wall reconstruction that do not impair residual respiratory function or skeletal stability.

SUMMARY

Chest wall reconstruction restores respiratory function, provides protection for underlying viscera, and supports the shoulder girdle. Common indications for chest wall reconstruction include neoplasms, trauma, infectious processes, and congenital defects. Loss of chest wall integrity can result in respiratory and cardiac compromise and upper extremity instability. Advances in reconstructive techniques have expanded the resectability of large complex oncologic tumors by safely and reliably restoring chest wall integrity in an immediate fashion with minimal or no secondary deficits. The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with current evidenced-based knowledge to optimize care of patients requiring chest wall reconstruction. This article discusses the evaluation and management of oncologic chest wall defects, reviews controversial considerations in chest wall reconstruction, and provides an algorithm for the reconstruction of complex chest wall defects. Respiratory preservation, semirigid stabilization, and longevity are key when reconstructing chest wall defects.

A Novel Local Transposition Flap for Lateral Breast Reconstruction After Breast Conserving Surgery

BACKGROUND

Breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by radiotherapy is used for the management of early-stage breast cancers. There are different techniques to reconstruct the breast after BCS, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this study, we aim to present a novel local transposition flap and report the follow-up results of patients who underwent breast reconstruction using this method in the short and long term.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We enrolled 100 patients who underwent BCS in the form of upper or lower outer quadrant lumpectomy with or without axillary lymph node dissection. After lumpectomy, the patients underwent breast reconstruction using the local transposition flap technique. We followed the patients for 1 year, and the satisfaction results are assessed and reported postoperation, after radiochemotherapy, and after 1 year.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age is 47.6 (±11.7) years, and the mean BMI is 32.4 (±2.5). The duration of hospitalization was 1 day in 96 patients and 2 days in 2 patients. There were 2 patients hospitalized for 3 days. Three patients developed seroma and there were no cases of any other complication. The surgeon and patients satisfaction surveys conducted postop, after the radiochemotherapy course, and 1 year after BCS shows that the excellent and good satisfaction rate is 85%, 85%, and 92% respectively.

CONCLUSION

We believe that the local transposition flap can be an excellent substitution for the existing methods in the reconstruction of the lateral side breast defects.

Modified External Oblique Myocutaneous Flap for Repair of Postmastectomy Defects in Locally Advanced Breast Tumors: A Cohort Series Associated with a Systematic Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Locally advanced breast tumors (LABT) are situations of difficult resolution in clinical practice. External oblique myocutaneous flap (EOMF) is an option, but there are few studies in the literature on its use.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, cohort institutional study of patients with LABT who were undergoing mastectomy combined with the use of modified-EOMF (M-EOMF). Preoperative indications and conditions, factors associated with surgery, time to radiotherapy, local recurrence, and survival were assessed. A systematic review of the literature also was performed to evaluate the use of EOMF.

RESULTS

Over the 10-year period, 17 patients underwent M-EOMF closure. The mean duration of surgery was 251 min, and extensive skin area was resected (mean 468 ± 260 cm²). Four patients developed local recurrence. The actuarial survival at 36 months was 48.3%. Using PRISMA statement, among 115 articles evaluated from 3 databases, 8 articles were selected, in which 146 patients underwent EOMF. EOMF are associated with low postoperative complications with 8.9% skin necrosis. The M-EOMF allowed the resection of larger areas than other flaps described in the literature but is associated with skin necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

M-EOMF has the advantages of not requiring a change in the patient's position for the closure of large areas. It is thus an acceptable option for chest wall reconstruction in tumors at the limit of resectability.

The Superiorly Based Partial Rectus Abdominis and External Oblique Flap for Lower Pole Coverage in Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective Cohort Study of 47 Consecutive Flaps

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated health related quality of life and morbidity in patients who had a superiorly based partial rectus abdominis and external oblique (SPREO) flap for lower pole coverage as a component of 2-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing immediate and delayed 2-stage breast reconstruction including a SPREO flap for lower pole coverage was conducted. The BREAST-Q and a study-specific questionnaire were used to determine outcomes after this procedure. BREAST-Q questionnaires were completed preoperatively and postoperatively and compared with normative values.

RESULTS

BREAST-Q questionnaires were completed by 27 women. The mean patient age was 54.3 ± 9.6 years. Mean BREAST-Q scores improved significantly between preoperative and postoperative time points in Satisfaction with Breasts (preoperative 43.2 ± 26.9, postoperative 66.2 ± 19.5, P = 0.001) and Psychosocial Wellbeing (preoperative 59.4 ± 16.4 postoperative 75.5 ± 19.4, P = 0.002). Mean scores were not significantly different in the domains Physical Wellbeing Chest, Physical Wellbeing Abdomen and Sexual Wellbeing. Postoperative BREAST-Q scores were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than previously published normative scores in Satisfaction with Breasts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports the use of the SPREO flap for lower pole coverage in 2-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction and demonstrates that it may be a useful addition to the existing repertoire of flaps used in breast reconstruction.

Revisiting the musculocutaneous external oblique flap as a versatile alternative in large thoracic wall defects

BACKGROUND

The external oblique myocutaneous flap has been previously described for reconstruction of chest-thoracic wall defects smaller than 400-500 cm2. However, it is utilized less often than workhorse flaps such as the omental, pectoralis, rectus abdominis, and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps as many plastic surgeons are not aware that the flap can cover larger areas than previously documented.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a 57-year-old female tobacco user who underwent a resection of a grade 3 breast angiosarcoma resulting in a high left chest wall soft tissue defect approximating 900 cm2. The patient underwent an external oblique myocutaneous pedicle flap reconstruction of the defect, most notably in anticipation of postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy. No gross flap complications and or patient impairment were noted. Thirteen months status post flap reconstruction, the patient underwent an aortic valve replacement requiring re-elevation of the same flap for exposure. The flap demonstrated excellent viability during the procedure and postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The pedicled external oblique myocutaneous flap should be considered when reconstructing larger high chest wall defects when other more common flaps used in chest reconstruction may not be indicated. The external oblique myocutaneous flap is an excellent tool in the armamentarium of any reconstructive surgeon; it is a straightforward and versatile flap that can be safely and reliably used in durable reconstruction of defects of the chest wall and covers defects larger than previously described in the literature.

Review of Procedures for Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Chest Wall Defects Following Advanced Breast Malignancies

The purpose of this article is to review closure options for complex chest wounds in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Experiences of the plastic and oncologic surgery teams at Moffitt Cancer Center were reviewed, and the literature researched for various surgical options of complex chest wound closure. Multiple treatment modalities exist for reconstruction of complex chest wall wounds with the external oblique and V-Y latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous advancement flaps serving as workhorses in reconstruction. Treatment of cancer has moved from simply a surgical solution to include other modalities such as hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation—the latter 2 having serious consequences for wound healing. A team approach and knowledge of available flap options are vital for closure of complex wounds in a timely manner. Appropriate planning can optimize the primary goal of the oncologic surgeon to remove the cancer and the plastic surgeon’s objective to reconstruct the defect and achieve a closed, durable wound prior to chemotherapy and radiation. We present the experience at the Moffitt Cancer Center in reconstructing challenging chest defects and review the reconstructive ladder.

The Superiorly Based Partial Rectus Abdominis and External Oblique Flap: A New Technique for Breast Asymmetry Reconstruction

Breast asymmetry has a wide spectrum of presentations with several employable strategies for surgical correction. Historically, the external oblique muscle has proven to be a versatile flap option for the reconstruction of both local and distant defects. It has also been described for use in breast reconstruction for coverage of the lower pole of implant prostheses. The external oblique muscle flap can be harvested in several ways to capture overlying fat and skin. In this study, we describe the use of a superiorly based partial rectus and external oblique flap for surgical correction of lower pole breast hypoplasia. This flap provides vascularized autologous volume to the lower pole of the breast with minimal donor morbidity. Other advantages of this flap are that it can increase the nipple to inframammary fold distance and lower the inframammary fold. This technique represents an evolution of an under-utilized flap and is the first study describing the use of the external oblique flap in the management of breast asymmetry.

Immediate chest wall reconstruction using an external oblique myocutaneous flap for large skin defects after mastectomy in advanced or recurrent breast cancer patients: A single center experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We report 75 single-stage chest-wall reconstructions using ipsilateral external oblique myocutaneous flap (EOMCF) to cover the extensive skin defects following resection of advanced or recurrent breast tumours at the Pusan National University Hospital.

METHODS

Between January 2007 and October 2015, 75 women with advanced or recurred breast cancer who underwent extensive mastectomy with immediate chest wall reconstruction using EOMCF were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Mean age was 50.5 ± 9.8 years and mean follow-up period was 36.7 ± 25.1 months. A total of 59 patients (78.7%) had stage III disease and the remaining 16 patients (21.3%) had stage IV. Mean excised breast tissue weight was 687.6 ± 416.5 g (range, 120.3-2797.1 g). The mean chest wall skin defect covered with an EOMCF was 228.3 ± 168.1 cm² and corresponded to an approximately 15 × 15 cm defect. Average operative time for reconstruction was <2 h. There were no major complications such as flap loss, full thickness skin necrosis, or surgical site infections. With respect to loco-regional recurrence, nine patients (12%) experienced recurrence. Among the 59 non-stage IV patients, loco-regional relapse occurred in five patients (8.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

EOMCF can effectively cover large chest wall defects with a few minor complications and reliable local disease control.

Application of a rhomboid flap for the coverage of defects after malignant breast tumor resection: A case report

Resection for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) or malignant phyllodes tumors may cause a large skin defect with bone exposure. Although skin grafts are frequently used to cover such defects, they can result in poor cosmetic outcomes and graft acceptance is dependent upon the condition of the recipient site. To overcome the limitations of skin grafts, various flaps have been developed to cover such defects. The present study used a rhomboid flap for the coverage of skin defects after mastectomy and breast-conservative surgery (BCS). A total of 11 patients with malignant breast cancer underwent reconstructive surgery using the rhomboid flap between September 2011 and December 2013 (mastectomy, 9 patients; BCS, 2 patients). Skin resection size, axillary lymph node dissection, bone exposure, length of surgery, wound complications and whether preoperative/postoperative adjuvant therapy was received were analyzed. The maximum size of skin defect covered with the rhomboid flap in the present study was 20×20 cm. There were no major wound complications and all patients underwent postoperative adjuvant therapy on schedule. During BCS, a portion of the flap was used for augmentation of the breast, in addition to coverage of the skin defect, which resulted in good cosmetic outcomes. The rhomboid flap can be quickly and easily fashioned, and it does not require any special instruments.

The use of unilateral or bilateral external oblique myocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of lower abdominal wall or groin defects after malignant tumor resection

BACKGROUND

External oblique myocutaneous flap (EOMF) has been used successfully for many years in reconstructive plastic surgery, its function is mainly concentrated in the restoration of chest wall defects following breast cancer resection. However, for the lower abdominal wall or groin defects after malignant tumor resection, reconstruction with EOMF is little reported. In this study, we report our experience with EOMF downward transposition to repair the defects.

METHODS

12 patients with malignant diseases in the lower abdominal wall or groin underwent aggressive tumor resection, the defects were reconstructed immediately with EOMF. Patient characteristics, details of operation and postoperative complications were described.

RESULTS

12 patients received radical resection, the defect size ranged from 140 to 588 cm(2) . Ipsilateral or bilateral EOMF was utilized to repair the defects. The EOMF had good quality skin and soft tissue to cover the defects, postoperatively, four patients developed seroma, two patients had distal tip necrosis, but no serious complications occurred, the wound of donor site healed well, no abdominal hernia was found.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides a new and alternative approach to reconstruct large defects with EOMF downward transposition after malignant tumor resection in the lower abdominal wall or groin.

Introduction to chest wall reconstruction: anatomy and physiology of the chest and indications for chest wall reconstruction

The chest wall functions as a protective cage around the vital organs of the body, and significant disruption of its structure can have dire respiratory and circulatory consequences. The past several decades have seen a marked improvement in the management and reconstruction of complex chest wall defects. Widespread acceptance of muscle and musculocutaneous flaps such as the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, serratus anterior, and rectus abdominis has led to a sharp decrease in infections and mortality. Successful reconstructions are dependent upon a detailed knowledge of the functional anatomy and blood supply of the chest and the underlying pathophysiology of a particular disease process. This article will provide an overview of key principles and evidence-based approaches to chest wall reconstruction.

Uncommon flaps for chest wall reconstruction

The omentum, external oblique musculocutaneous, and thoracoepigastric flaps are uncommonly used for chest wall reconstruction. Nevertheless, awareness and knowledge of these flaps is essential for reconstructive surgeons because they fill specific niche indications or serve as lifeboats when workhorse flaps are unavailable. The current report describes the anatomic basis, technical aspects of flap elevation, and indications for these unusual flaps.

[Moldable titanium mesh for chest wall reconstruction, an elegant solution about a case report]

INTRODUCTION

Several surgical techniques are available for full thickness chest wall reconstruction. The choice has to be adapted to the size of the loss of tissue, its location, and must finally be accepted by the patient's. We propose a new and unpublished solution.

CASE REPORT

We have in our care a 54 years-old patient suffering from a previous loss of chest wall tissue measuring 7 cm(2) due to surgical treatment of mediastinal Hodgkin's disease with sternal and costal invasion. Because of the sequelae, the goal focused on aesthetic reconstruction. Heartbeat was visible under the skin due to a loss of secondary left breast tissue from an initial treatment with absorbable Vicryl(©) mesh followed by a local skin, and glandular flap. Our choice of reconstruction consisted of inserting a moldable titanium mesh followed by 200 g implants in each breast during the same operation. We did not experience any complications and the patient is satisfied with the results.

DISCUSSION

No example of reconstruction using only a moldable titanium mesh was found in the literature on chest wall reconstruction. Our elegant choice is innovative in our discipline. However, this reconstruction materiel is already part of therapy procedures in other specialized surgeries.

CONCLUSION

This case report illustrates the various facets of our speciality: bring a solution at once repair, aesthetic and unique according to the request of the patient. The use of a moldable titanium mesh allows the reconstruction of stable chest wall. The small size does not present any functional difficulties, but rather unsightly sequel.

Muscle and omental flaps for chest wall reconstruction

Reconstruction of the chest wall represents an important part of a patient's treatment following resection of various thoracic tumors. Many different types of flaps, including both pedicled and free flaps, have been described for use in chest wall reconstruction. These reconstructions are most effectively managed with a multidisciplinary approach involving plastic and cardiothoracic surgery. The pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, trapezius, and external oblique muscles and the omentum are all local options that can play an important role in the reconstruction of the chest wall.

Chest reconstruction: I. Anterior and anterolateral chest wall and wounds affecting respiratory function

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the indications for chest wall reconstruction. 2. Understand the function of the chest wall and implications for both reconstruction and the chest wall itself when components are missing or used for reconstruction. 3. List the reconstructive requirements of chest wall wounds. 4. Identify flaps for regional reconstruction of the chest wall. 5. Describe the role of microvascular surgery in chest wall reconstruction.

BACKGROUND

Chest wall and mediastinum wounds may be life-threatening. They interfere with respiratory mechanics and may also be contaminated with exposed vital structures. Consideration is given to flap choice to restore function, resolve infection, and maintain suitable aesthetics.

METHODS

Literature search as well as the authors' personal experience enabled preparation of this article.

RESULTS

Where necessary, skeletal integrity must be restored, generally with prosthetic material, and then covered with well-vascularized soft tissue. "Living tissue" is required to help combat infection, buttress visceral repairs, and fill dead space. Soft-tissue deficiency must occasionally be augmented with large distant microvascular flaps.

CONCLUSION

Flap reconstruction has reduced morbidity and mortality of these complex problems without undue donor-site impairment of respiratory and upper extremity function.

Reconstruction des pariétectomies thoraciques effectuées pour récidive de cancer du sein

Some recurrences of breast cancer require wide chest wall resection as curative or palliative therapy. We report a retrospective review of 14 chest wall resections and reconstructions. The width of the anterior chest wall excision was 150 cm(2) (80 to 360 cm(2)). Two defects were full-thickness ones, with sternal or costal resection. The reconstruction required synthetic mesh covered by a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. The 12 other resections were superficial ones, and have been covered by a skin graft in 5 patients, and by a regional flap in 7 patients (5 latissimus dorsi, 1 DIEP, and 1 bilobed flap). Two patients had a chest wall irradiation after the surgical procedure. We have analysed the factors, which had influenced our choice of the type of reconstruction. The reconstruction is performed by a regional flap, most commonly a latissimus dorsi pedicled flap, in case of full-thickness defect, of nodular isolated recurrence, or when a radiation therapy is provided after the surgical procedure. The coverage is made by a skin graft in case of palliative excision, or of multiple nodular chest wall recurrence (which have a high risk of recurrence in the same form).

Extended cutaneous 'thoracoabdominal' flap for large chest wall reconstruction

Major chest wall reconstructions are usually required after radical excision of advanced cancer stages and large radionecrosis in patients with poor general conditions. Fasciocutaneous, muscular, and musculocutaneous flaps have all been described, with the last ones being commonly considered a first choice. The authors introduce an extended pure cutaneous flap from the omolateral thoracoabdominal area that is able to cover extensive defects. The vascular supply is provided by the lateral cutaneous branches from intercostal, subcostal, and lumbar arteries. Between February 2002 and 2005, 18 female patients underwent major chest wall reconstruction with this technique. Flap dimensions ranged between 15 x 15 and 25 x 30 cm. No major complications were registered. Four flaps sustained a partial loss at the distal margin but 1 case only required further surgical debridement. The extended cutaneous "thoracoabdominal" flap proved to be a quick, single-stage procedure with a low morbidity rate, specifically indicated in patients with a poor prognosis.

Combined Laparoscopically Harvested Omental Flap With Meshed Skin Grafts and Vacuum-Assisted Closure for Reconstruction of Complex Chest Wall Defects

BACKGROUND

Chest wall reconstruction after radiation damage is a challenge in oncologic and plastic surgery. The defect can be reconstructed with laparoscopically harvested omental flap and meshed skin grafts. Our aim was to evaluate the use of vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.) in combination with laparoscopically harvested omental flap and meshed skin graft for treating these complex wounds.

METHODS

Between October 2003 and December 2004, 11 patients underwent a chest wall reconstruction with laparoscopic omentoplasty and V.A.C. treatment of severe chest wall radionecrosis after breast cancer treatment (n = 10) or for locally advanced breast cancer treated first by irradiation (n = 1).

RESULTS

Laparoscopic harvesting was uneventful in 10 cases. One patient had a laparoscopic transverse colic resection because of a middle colic artery injury. Mean time of the laparoscopic procedure was 53 minutes (range: 35-120). Wound surface area averaged 360 cm (range: 80-750). The mean duration of V.A.C. treatment was 9.3 days (range: 6-16). Nine patients showed primary wound healing without adverse events. Complications occurred in 3 patients. One developed a pulmonary infection and died after healing during the postoperative course. One presented a partial flap loss, leading to delayed healing after 45 days. One patient with severe radiation damage and a complete brachial plexus paralysis required a shoulder amputation after an extensive necrosis. All but 1 patient are alive and resumed their normal daily activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination of laparoscopic omentoplasty and V.A.C. can successfully be used for reconstruction of complex chest wall radiation damage.

Reconstruction of the chestwall and thorax

Chest wall reconstructions can be complex and challenging procedures and may require a multidisciplinary approach. The most common indications for chest wall reconstruction are the repair of defects due to tumor ablation, infection, radiation necrosis, congenital deformities, and trauma. Flap reconstruction by plastic surgery is often required when skin is removed as part of the chest wall resection or when radiation therapy is given pre- or post-operatively. Tissue flaps may be needed to provide vascularized tissue over alloplastic materials used to stabilize the chest wall, to cover vital structures of the chest cavity, to fill dead space, and to improve cosmesis.

Reconstruction of an extensive chest wall defect using an external oblique myocutaneous flap following resection of an advanced Breast carcinoma: Report or a case

We reconstructed a large chest wall defect, resulting from the resection of a locally advanced breast carcinoma, using an external oblique myocutaneous flap. The patient, a 58-year-old Japanese woman, presented with an inoperable breast carcinoma (Stage IV). Combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide (CPA) and epirubicin hydrochloride (EPI) resulted in a reduction in size of both the primary tumor and the metastatic lesions. However, the patient continued to experience purulent discharge accompanied by an unpleasant odor, as well as contact bleeding from the residual breast lesion. To address these complaints, we removed much of the remaining tumor surgically. The resulting skin defect measured 440 cm(2) and was covered using an external oblique myocutaneous flap. The patient's postoperative course was excellent, and she was still alive and well after 40 months of chemotherapy. This case is a demonstration of the effectiveness of the external oblique myocutaneous flap for the coverage of large ipsilateral chest wall defects.

Chest wall reconstruction and advanced disease

Clinical experience supports a role for palliative procedures in patients with locally advanced or recurrent breast cancer, yet numerous challenges are entailed in both the extirpation and reconstruction of the chest wall in these cases. The defects may be profound and complicated by prior surgery, radiation therapy, or patient-related variables. The reconstructive techniques employed must neither encumber nor delay any necessary postoperative therapy and must not result in unacceptable morbidity or compromise quality of life. Our surgical approach to these cases incorporates a team of specialists from a broad spectrum of medical and surgical disciplines. Each operative plan is tailored to the specific needs and requirements of the individual patient.

Treatment and outcome of patients with chest wall recurrence after mastectomy and breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Chest wall recurrence (CWR) in the setting of previous mastectomy and breast reconstruction can pose complex management dilemmas for clinicians. We examined the impact of breast reconstruction on the treatment and outcomes of patients who subsequently developed a CWR.

METHODS

Between 1988 and 1998, 155 breast cancer patients with CWR after mastectomy were evaluated at our center. Of these patients, 27 had previously undergone breast reconstruction (immediate in 20; delayed in 7). Clinicopathologic features, treatment decisions, and outcomes were compared between the patients with and without previous breast reconstruction. Nonparametric statistics were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the reconstruction and no-reconstruction groups in time to CWR, size of the CWR, number of nodules, ulceration, erythema, and association of CWR with nodal metastases. In patients with previous breast reconstruction, surgical resection of the CWR and repair of the resulting defect tended to be more complex and was more likely to require chest wall reconstruction by the plastic surgery team rather than simple excision or resection with primary closure (26% [7 of 27] versus 8% [10 of 128], P = 0.013). Risk of a second CWR, risk of distant metastases, median overall survival after CWR, and distant-metastasis-free survival after CWR did not differ significantly between patients with and without previous breast reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy does not influence the clinical presentation or prognosis of women who subsequently develop a CWR. Collaboration with a plastic surgery team may be beneficial in the surgical management of these patients.

Extended V-Y latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for anterior chest wall reconstruction

Patients presenting advanced breast tumors are usually subject to major resections of the anterior chest wall tissue. Flaps taken from the abdominal wall, such as the TRAM, the external oblique flap, and the thoracoabdominal flap are frequently used for closure of this type of lesion. In this study, a different shape was planned for the skin island from the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with primary closure in V-Y for the correction of major lesions in the anterior chest wall after mastectomies occasioned by advanced breast cancer. The technique was used on eight female patients, between November of 1998 and July of 1999, victims of advanced breast cancer, who had been submitted to radical mastectomies with major resections of the cutaneous tegument. It was possible to make primary closure of lesions in the anterior chest wall, the preoperative areas of which varied between 15 x 15 and 29 x 14 cm (vertical x horizontal). This technical variant permitted use of the flap without the need to create tunnels for its advancement and rotation. It also proved to be easy to perform and presented a low morbidity rate, with three patients presenting minor complications that did not require correction through any further surgical intervention. Closure was obtained in the donor and recipient sites without the use of skin grafts or other more major procedures. According to the authors, this procedure is a viable alternative in repairing large defects in the anterior chest wall.

External oblique abdominal muscle: a new look on its blood supply and innervation

Numerous reports have discussed the use of the external oblique abdominal muscle as a pedicled or a free flap for defect coverage. A detailed description of the supplying vessels and nerves is a prerequisite for successful tissue transfer but so far is not available in the literature. A study of the arteries and nerves supplying the external oblique abdominal muscle was carried out in 42 cadavers after injection of a mixture of latex and bariumsulfate. In seven fresh cadavers the motor branches were identified with the Karnovsky technique. Three different groups of arteries were identified as the nurturing vessels. The cranial part of the muscle is supplied by two branches of the intercostal arteries. While the lateral branches run on the outer surface of the muscle together with the nerves, the anterior branches enter the muscle from its inner surface. The caudal part of the muscle derives its main blood supply from one or two branches of the deep circumflex iliac artery (94.7%) or the iliolumbar artery (5.3%). The external oblique abdominal muscle is innervated by motor branches of the lateral cutaneous branches of the anterior spinal nerves in a segmental pattern. With the exception of the subcostal nerve the motor branches enter the outer surface of the muscle digitation arising from the rib above. The results show that the cranial half of the external oblique abdominal muscle has a strictly segmental blood and nerve supply while the caudal half of the muscle derives its main blood supply from one artery but still shows a segmental innervation.