Use of Autologous Latissimus Dorsi Muscular Flap for the Repair of Iatrogenic Diaphragmatic Defect in Dogs

The study was conducted to evaluate the viability and healing process of a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscular flap for use as an implant for herniorrhaphy in canine diaphragmatic muscle. After a three month acclimatization period, twelve clinically healthy mongrel dogs, of both sexes weighing 10 to 20 kg were induced with an iatrogenic diaphragmatic defect and divided into three groups A, B & C. A diaphragmatic defect, 8x8 cm in size, was created in the right muscular portion of the diaphragm through thoracotomy at the 9 intercostal space. The latissimus dorsi muscular flap with a dorso-lumbar pedicle was moved through the created window. Examination at day 15, 30, and 45 post-surgery, body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate and chest resonance varied significantly (P<0.001). Post-surgical accumulation of serous exudates also varied significantly (P<0.001) ranging from zero to 20.5ml at day-2 post-surgery, followed by a consistent decline till day-8 post-surgery. The abnormal limb function observed returned to normal by day-7 postsurgery. Post-mortem examination revealed no major pathological alterations and histopathological examination of the flap showed smooth healing without deterioration or any foreign body reaction. Use of an autologous latissimus dorsi muscular flap with a dorso-lumbar pedicle is a better and more economical choice for the repair of large diaphragmatic defects like hernia.