Free flap chest wall reconstruction for recurrent breast cancer and radiation ulcers Journal Article


Authors: Hidalgo, D. A.; Saldana, E. F.; Rusch, V. W.
Article Title: Free flap chest wall reconstruction for recurrent breast cancer and radiation ulcers
Abstract: Pedicled myocutaneous flaps are the established first choice for soft tissue coverage of major chest wall defects. In some patients, this alternative is not available because the flap itself or its blood supply may be included within the field of surgical resection, the flap may have been used previously, or the defect is too large or extends past the reach of the flap. In these patients, free flaps can be used to provide adequate soft tissue coverage. This report examines 7 women with major full-thickness chest wall defects treated with free flap soft tissue coverage. Either a rectus abdominis (6 women) or a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap (l woman) was used. There were no flap failures. Permanent protection of prosthetic material used to stabilize the chest wall was provided in all women. Only 1 woman experienced delayed wound healing. Secondary procedures were not required in any patient. Myocutaneous free flaps provide reliable single-stage soft tissue coverage for large chest wall defects that are not suited to reconstruction with pedicled myocutaneous flaps.
Keywords: adult; clinical article; aged; breast cancer; radiation injury; wound healing; myocutaneous flap; pedicled skin flap; rectus abdominis muscle; latissimus dorsi muscle; thorax wall reconstruction; human; female; article; marlex
Journal Title: Annals of Plastic Surgery
Volume: 30
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0148-7043
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins  
Date Published: 1993-04-01
Start Page: 375
End Page: 380
Language: English
DOI: 10.1097/00000637-199304000-00017
PUBMED: 8512298
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Source: Scopus
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  1. Valerie W Rusch
    864 Rusch
  2. David A Hidalgo
    47 Hidalgo