Robotic harvest of the latissimus dorsi muscle for flap reconstruction

Abstract

The latissimus dorsi muscle flap has been an essential workhorse for reconstructive surgery since its introduction in the late 1970s. It has been used extensively for breast reconstruction, as well as for scalp, extremity, and head and neck reconstruction. Its harvest requires a long incision (anywhere from 20 to 40 cm in length) which can be the source of morbidity in the form of cosmesis and seroma. The robotic platform offers a safe and minimally invasive harvest technique and holds an excellent promise in reducing donor-site morbidity. In this chapter, the operative approach, indication, and potential complications of this technique are described.