Does the latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction require an overnight hospital stay?

Question

I've talked to a doctor about having this surgery and he told me it was an in and out surgery, but I would need to get a hotel room in the area just in case I need anything.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Typically a latissimus dorsi flap will require a 1-2 night hospital stay. If your surgeon is comfortable discharging you, I would recommend staying in a hotel close by if you live far away from your surgeon. Although serious bleeding complications from this surgery are rare, they are a possibility given the large latissimus donor site.

Chris Porter, MD · Answer

I would recommend staying at least 1 night in hospital after your LD surgery as you will need flap checks and general observations. After this you could stay in hospital up to 3 nights more in total depending on insurance coverage.

Ben Brown, MD (license emergency restriction) · Answer

My protocol for this procedure is to have my patient spend one night in the hospital.  I am not sure why your surgeon wouldn't have you spend the night in the hospital as insurance typically covers the stay.

Ali Sadeghi, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes typically that is the norm.  You may want to ask your doctor to see if you are a candidate for a TDAP flap reconstruction. This flap is similar to the LD flap, but does not sacrifice the LD muscle.  Good luck.

Cindy Wu, MD · Answer

In general, a latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction requires an overnight stay in the hospital.  In the setting of immediate breast reconstruction (reconstruction during the same surgery as the mastectomy), in general, patients are not ready to go home the same day of surgery, and end up staying anywhere from 1-4 days.  The length of stay varies depending on the patient's health conditions and rate of recovery.  The disadvantage of being in a hotel room is that you would not get the nursing care there, if any issues were to arise.  I would encourage you to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the surgery and expected post operative recovery.

William C. Rigano, MD (retired) · Answer

A latissimus flap can be performed by an experienced surgeon very well. Most patients heal well and most plastic surgeons are experienced with this flap for breast reconstruction. I have performed hundreds and still make patients stay overnite in the hospital. Insurance covers this procedure and your hospital.The reason that this surgeon uses a hotel is not typical. I reccommend another opinion.

Does the latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction require an overnight hospital stay?

Answers (6)

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