Reestablishment of sensitivity in the latissimus dorsi transplant through anastomosis of the thoracodorsal nerve with sensitive nerves

The question as to whether anastomosis of sensory nerves is recommended for free transplant of th myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap, reanastomosed by microvascular surgery, remains a controversial issue. In this study, a mic rosurgical nerve anastomosis was performed to sensitize a latissimus dorsi transplant. To determine sensation in the transplanted tissue, six patients were examined clinically. All patients had free transplants of latissimus dorsi flaps reanastomosed by microvascular surgery after tumor resection in t he oral cavity. An anastomosis of the sensible auricular magnus nerve wit h the motor thoracodorsalis nerve was performed. Resulting sensation was de termined clinically by testing for pain, temperature, pressure, two-point d iscrimination, and vibration. All patients showed sensation in the latissim us dorsi flap beginning between the third and the fifth month postoperative ly. Therefore, resensitization of a large and voluminous myocutaneous latis simus dorsi flap should be attempted by a nerve anastomosis in this transpl ant.