Latissimus dorsi free flap for reconstruction of extensive full-thickness abdominal wall defect. A case of desmoid tumor

Desmoid tumor is a rare, benign fibroblastic tumor that is characterized by highly aggressive local invasiveness. The authors report the case of a 35-year-old male who presented with a 20 cm para-umbilical tumor invading the right rectus abdominis muscle. This required a wide excision of the abdominal wall. The resulting defect was closed with a single-stage latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap in combination with a prosthetic mesh reconstruction. The authors discuss the therapeutic options for management of these rare tumors and the variety of available techniques for coverage and reconstruction after extensive parietal loss of substance. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.