Lumbar Flap
Advantages:
Lumbar flap or Latissimus Dorsi (LD) flap is another more recent secondary option after the DIEP flap. May be used in those who do not have enough tummy tissue available.
Disadvantages:
Donor site tends to produce drain a lot of fluid post-operatively, similar to the LD flap. Only a short blood vessel can be taken from the back to vessels from the tummy area may be taken as well and joined to the flap.
Recovery:
4 – 6 hours of surgery
4 – 6 days in hospital
At least 6 week recovery to normal functioning, back may need to be drained in outpatients