In this study, the Latissimus dorsi muscular flap was experimentally used for the repair of iatrogenic diaphragmatic defects in 18 adult dogs. The flap was elevated maintaining its dorso-caudal attachment. The diaphragm was accessed through a right thoracotomy in the tenth intercostal space, a defect in the diaphragm was created and the flap was sutured in the margins of the defect. The flap was capable of covering one third of the right hemidiaphragm. All the animals had good post-surgery recoveries. Respiratory function was not compromised. Necropsies were taken at 15, 30 and 60 days post-surgery. Macro and microscopically, the muscle showed few adhesions with adjacent viscera and excellent healing. The Latissimus dorsi muscular flap can be useful for reconstruction of large diaphragmatic defects in dogs.
surgery; muscular flap; diaphragmatic hernia; dog
