[Possibilities of surgical management of local recurrence and radiogenic chest wall damage using the latissimus dorsi transposed flap in advanced breast cancer].

Due to its constant vascular supply, the musculus latissimus-dorsi flap is an ideal therapeutic option for large tissue defects of the thorax. Using this flap technique, the problem of peripheral necrosis only occurs in less than five percent of cases. Indications for the latissmus-dorsi flap include repair of excised radiation induced ulcerations, tissue defects of the thorax as well as surgical repair of extended excisions necessary in the treatment of breast cancer. The main advantage of this flap lies with its comparably simple surgical technique and the use of a highly mobile flap with a maximal length to width ratio of seven to one. Post-operative complications include infections, rarely occurring due to the good vascular supply of the flap. Formation of haematoma and seroma can largely be prevented by using fibrin glue. In our experience, the musculus latissimus-dorsi flap has very successfully been as a surgical option for palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer.