Use of the thoracodorsal flap for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin disease that affects the regions harboring the apocrine sweat glands. It has an estimated prevalence of 1% of the population and a preference for the female sex.

Method:

LMN, a 48-year-old female patient, presented, on examination, palpable, coalescent, painful nodules and a circumjacent area of fibrosis and scar retraction in both axillae, mainly in the left axilla. She was subjected to wide excision of the lesions at the axilla and left thoracic region, with a need for a rotational fasciocutaneous flap, usually used in patients who undergo lateral quadrantectomy.

Results:

A satisfactory aesthetic result was attained, together with the preservation of movements.

Conclusion:

Although there are few reported cases of the use of the lateral thoracodorsal fasciocutaneous flap, this technique is an excellent alternative in axillary reconstruction, owing to the ease of resection, good coverage of the receiving area, and the satisfactory aesthetic result.

Keywords:
Hidradenitis suppurativa; Sweat glands; Mastectomy