Does It Require Two Surgeons to Do a Latissimus Flap?

asked 2 years ago by lauren512 in kansas
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 203 times
Tags: latissimus flap, normal, technique

After having an implant that was unsatisfactory, my PS says the only option is a latissimus flap and it would take two surgeons to do it, because you have to be turned during the surgery. Is this true?

10 answers to Does It Require Two Surgeons to Do a Latissimus Flap?

Does It Require Two Surgeons to Do a Latissimus Flap?

Does It Require Two Surgeons to Do a Latissimus Flap? IT takes more than two people to turn and position you doing a surgery. The credentials of those may vary from MD, RNFA, PA, SA, CST, etc,

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Latissimus flap surgery- one or two surgeons

Hi there- I have performed many latissimus flap operations with the assistance of a PA.... Having another set of hands available (especially hands that know how to operate) is very helpful in keeping the operation moving smoothly and efficiently (shorter surgery is safer surgery). Could it be done without assistance? Yup... But I think its in your best interests for your surgeon to have help.

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

Two qualified surgeons would limit your anesthesia time.

A latissimus flap can be done by one surgeon. Having two surgeons will limit your surgery time and your anesthesia time, which is an important factor in your recovery. Some insurance companies do not allow or pay for an assistant in a latissimus flap, a policy that makes little sense given how much time the insurance company would save in Operating room fees and anesthesia fees alone.

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Latissimus flap

Certianly a lastissimus flap can be raised and inset by one surgeon but it is often easier and quicker if tow work at the same time.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

One surgeon can do it

Dear Lauren, It is not unreasonable to have two surgeons perform your latissimus flap. I often perform these as a single surgeon and turning is not an issue. It is understood that you will need to be repositioned during surgery. Look at it this way you get the benefit of two plastic surgeons taking care of your reconstruction which is great! Good Luck Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Two surgeons are OFTEN better than one in Complex Breast Reconstruction

In complex surgical cases, the help and anticipation of another experienced assistant is very valuable. It improves the surgeon's performance and speeds the rate at which the case is carried out. When two surgeons operate together the case becomes faster and easier but the patient is the largest beneficiary.

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Two surgeons to do a latissimus flap

Simple answer is NO. But it is faster to have two plastic surgeons operating upon you as a team approach. Regards From MIAMI Dr. B

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

How many folks to do a latissimus flap

Having done many hundreds of these, I can say that it takes two people do do a latissimus flap, the surgeon and an assistant. The assistant does not have to be another plastic surgeon but it is nice if it is because the surgery might go a little more smothly and quickly.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Latissimus flap surgery

Two surgeons are not necessary but can be helpful since there are two areas, the donor site and the breast area. Having two surgeons can save sewing time since each can work on a separate area. I have done numerous latissimus flaps alone with an experienced scrub nurse and if the operation is planned well, another surgeon is not absolutely necessary. The flap is easily dissected and the donor site closed quickly. Most of the operating time is spent setting in the flap,... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Number of Surgeons to Perform a Latissimus Flap

Some surgeons work in teams and some work alone. It is true that you need to be flipped over during the surgery, since the latissimus muscle is on your back. So you will start out on your belly or on your side, so the surgeon can harvest the muscle. You will then be flipped over onto your back so the surgeons and perform your breast surgery. If you have two surgeons, the surgery will also be faster. So, it really is not a concern if there is one surgeon or two... more