Latissimus Flap Surgery

mickeyjc

Latissimus Flap Surgery

mickeyjc

I am scheduled for a left skin sparing mastectomy next week with immediate reconstruction using the latissimus flap surgery.  Does anyone have any information on what I should expect (surgery and results?

yogini

I am considering latissimus flap surgery followed by an implant.  I'd love to know how it is for you....  I'm a yoga practitioner and teacher, and would love to know the impact on my ability to stretch and bear weight -  Any input from you or anyone else,would be greatly appreciated.

SunshineSmiles

You may want to post this on the Reconstruction Forum.  There are quite a few women who have had this surgery, but they are unlikely to find your question here on the Fitness Forum.  I had GAP reconstruction, but I know there are other ladies on this website who would be glad to help you with your questions about Lat Flap.

Good luck,

Susan 

Sandyb

Dear Yogini, I had a bilateral mastectomy followed by LD flap surgery with expanders (and will be changing to silicone implants in 3 months time) With regards to stretching I actually gained full motion quite easily with the help of a physio in a very short time. And I was very stiff to begin with as I  had 3 surgerys and lymphnode clearance, all  within 8 weeks. However, my physio visited me on day 2 after surgery and got me started on very easy stretching exercises and then I started visiting her about 2 weeks after I left hospital for more stretching and massage on the scars.Im sure this all helped with getting back to full range of movement. However, one problem I do have is when I try and put any weight on my arms my whole chest area goes into a tight spasm. Im told this was because there is a nerve that wasnt cut during surgery that can cause this problem as they couldnt find it due to scar tissue from my previous ops. Im going in in a couple of months so they can try again. It may be worth asking your surgeon about this as this problem could affect your ability to do weightbaring exercises comfortably. The other problem I have is a feeling of a very tight band around my chest. Again im told it could be because of the nerve thing  or expanders so hopefully this will all go after my next surgery. The other thing to bear in mind is you are only having surgery on one side and again I have met ladies who have sailed through this op with no problems whatsoever. I think definately ask your surgeon about the nerve thing as I can imagine this would be the thing that could make certain exercises feel strange for you.

Good luck, let me know how you get on,

Love, Sandyb x

megryan57

I had doulbe mast with lat dorsi and immediatel reconstruction in Sept (08). I had the saline implants replaced with silicone about 5 weeks ago. I'm on this forum looking for advice on running and biking.

At about weeks post first surgery, I went to physical therapy 4 Xs a week up until my second surgery. I was able to regain 95% mobility on one side and 85% on the other. Even after the second surgery, my ROM is still improving. However, stretching my arms over my head is still not possible (like a really good stretch). Also, the feeling of tightness around my chest seems debilitating still. Push-ups=impossible. The recovery from this surgery because of the back muscle is much longer than not using the muscle. I'm impatient!!

Good luck.