Latissimus Dorsi Flap

The latissimus dorsi muscle has provided a useful flap for studying and defining the principles of the myocutaneous method. Clinically, it has yielded a valuable myocutaneous unit, based on its various pedicles. It has also provided the microvascular surgeon with a versatile unit that supplies a large volume of tissue with a long vascular pedicle. Investigation of the vascularity of the latissimus dorsi unit has led to better understanding of the vascularity of the muscle, and has extended the range of application of the myocutaneous method.