Histologic results of neuronal anastomosis of the microvascular latissimusdorsi transplant

Latissimus dorsi transplants have little neuronal regenerative capacity wit hout neuronal anastomosis. Histologic differences between transplants: with and without neuronal anastomosis and two distinct types of neurotization a re highlighted in this study. Eighteen patients after tumor resection and d efect coverage with a latissimus dorsi transplant were examined preoperativ ely and postoperatively by means of a biopsy for- histologic examination. T he number of fascicles, degree of scarring, myelinization, and fibrosis wer e examined. All patients had a mean of 11.8 fascicles preoperatively, Patie nts without neuronal anastomosis showed an average of 5.0 fascicles, patien ts with nerve anastomosis to the cutaneous branches uf the tercostal nerve showed an average of 6.2 fascicles, and patients with anastomosis to the th oracodorsalis nerve showed an average of 9.2 fascicles postoperatively. In cases of nerve anastomosis, a lesser degree of fibrosis was found, together with good myelinization. Neuronal reanastomosis led to more vital neuronal structures in the postoperative histologic specimen. The highest density o f fascicles was found in the case of the well-vascularized thoracodorsalis nerve.