Robotic-assisted latissimus dorsi muscle flap for autologous chest reconstruction in poland syndrome

Background: As chest reconstructions in Poland syndrome are performed for patients at young ages, patients are generally concerned about conspicuous scars. Meanwhile, a robotic-assisted latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle harvest with inconspicuous scars has been performed for autologous breast reconstruction. As our experience with robotic-assisted LD flap harvest has increased over the years, we have made improvements in surgical techniques to optimize results. The purpose of this study was to introduce and identify the role of the refined robotic-assisted LD muscle flap harvest technique in autologous chest reconstruction in patients with Poland syndrome. Methods: Autologous chest reconstruction using a robotic-assisted LD muscle flap harvest was performed for 21 patients with Poland syndrome. Subjective assessments were performed to evaluate improvement in chest deformity, patient satisfaction with overall outcomes, chest symmetry, and scars. Assessments by the operator and two independent evaluating investigators were carried out with patients' photographs. The complication rates and the time for robotic surgery were also evaluated. Results: At the last visit, the average patient grades for improvement in chest deformity, satisfaction with overall outcomes, chest symmetry, and scars were 4.80, 4.72, 4.18, and 4.87, respectively. Assessments by the operator and two independent evaluating investigators demonstrated that improvement in chest deformity was achieved in all patients. No serious complications such as flap loss were recorded for any patient. The time for robotic surgery markedly decreased as experience accumulated. Conclusions: Surgical refinements for robotic-assisted LD flap harvest might be effective and reduce operative times for patients with Poland syndrome.