Anterolateral Chest Reconstruction Using a Posterior Intercostal Artery Perforator-Based Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap

Latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps are ideal for reconstructing deep and complex anterolateral chest defects because they provide both coverage and volume with relatively short surgery and acceptable donor-site morbidity. The LD flap is suitable for patients who have undergone lung surgery and should avoid prolonged or invasive reconstruction surgery. However, the LD main pedicle, the thoracodorsal artery (TDA), is often damaged in these patients. A hitherto poorly known alternative is an LD flap that is based on a posterior intercostal artery perforator (P-ICAP). Here, we present the case of a 65-year-old man with a postpleurectomy anterolateral chest defect involving exposed lung tissue who was planned to undergo reconstruction with an ipsilateral TDA-pedicled musculocutaneous LD flap. In preoperative imaging and intraoperative exploration, the TDA was found to be damaged, but the eighth dorsal branch P-ICAP was identified and shown to have a strong Doppler signal. Thus, it served as the pedicle, and the entire LD muscle was elevated. The cutaneous part of the flap was designed as a superoposteriorly based transposition flap that maintained a skin bridge to reduce the risk of venous congestion. The donor site was closed primarily. The postoperative course was uneventful. This case supports the use of a P-ICAP-based LD musculocutaneous flap for reconstructing anterolateral chest defects in cases where the TDA is damaged.