The extended latissimus dorsi flap in repair of anterior abdominal wall defects.

Large abdominal wall defects (ventral hernias) can be difficult to repair. Some defects are not amenable to primary repair or the use of synthetic mesh because of repeated recurrence or wound infection. In complicated situations such as that mentioned above, the extended latissimus dorsi muscle flap has been used to repair upper and middle abdominal wall defects. This method has been utilized in six patients, and there has been no recurrence of the defect or evidence of a lumbar hernia. The follow-up has been from 7 to 66 months. The extended latissimus dorsi muscle flap has proven to be an excellent alternative in the repair of complicated abdominal wall defects.