J Craniofac Surg. 2022 Jul 28. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000008737. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine factors affecting the survival of pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 20 pedicled LD flap patients for head and neck reconstruction by a single operator from 2015 to 2019 in a tertiary hospital were reviewed. Factors including flap size and pedicle’s length from the most distal end of the flap to the axilla (Fp) and from the most distal end of the defect to the axilla (Dfp) were assessed. Partial flap loss requiring procedures and total loss were considered as failure. Descriptive statistics, the Pearson χ2 test, and linear-by-linear association analysis were performed.
RESULTS: Seventy percent of patients showed success. There was no significant difference in various factors including preoperative body mass index, underlying diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, preoperative treatment either radiation or chemotherapy, lab results, and operation time between the survival and the failure group. Rotation arc (Dfp/Fp) showed significant difference between 2 groups (P=0.001). Unlike Fp, Dfp tend to be shorter on the success group (P=0.053).
CONCLUSIONS: Low rotation arc through shorter Dfp affects survival of pedicled LD flap significantly.
PMID:35905387 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000008737
