The Value of Preoperative Computed Tomography Angiography (CT-A) in Patients Undergoing Delayed Latissimus Dorsi Flap Breast Reconstruction after Axillary Lymph Node Dissection or Irradiation and Suspicion of Pedicle Injury.

The Value of Preoperative Computed Tomography Angiography (CT-A) in Patients Undergoing Delayed Latissimus Dorsi Flap Breast Reconstruction after Axillary Lymph Node Dissection or Irradiation and Suspicion of Pedicle Injury.: The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap first described by Tansini in 1906 has proven to be a versatile resource in breast reconstruction remaining as one of the most popular reconstructive options. This flap is unmatched in reliability and its dissection is usually straightforward. Notwithstanding, when the axilla is severely scarred due to a previous aggressive lymph node dissection or irradiation, identification and dissection of the thoracodorsal pedicle may be laborious and tedious carrying a risk of injury.