[Application of "tennis racket" flap with fascial pedicle on the healthy chest for the radiation ulcer after surgical treatment of breast carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE

To introduce the application of "tennis racket" flap with fascial pedicle on the healthy chest for radiation ulcer after surgical treatment of breast cancer.

METHODS

The " tennis racket" flap was designed on the healthy chest along the cartilage with fascia pedicle near the sternum. 9 cases were treated. The flaps size ranged from 5.0 cm x 3.5 cm to 13 cm x 11 cm with pedicle size of 2-8 cm in length and 2.0-3.0 cm in width.

RESULTS

All the 9 flaps survived completely with satisfactory appearance. The patients were followed up for 2 months to 3 years without ulcer reoccurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The "tennis racket" flap has a slender fascial pedicle without major blood vessel. It has the advantages of good flexibility for rotation and large flap size for the reconstruction of the radiation ulcer after surgical treatment of breast cancer.