46 yo had bilateral skin sparing mastectomy in Oct. 2023, with TE placement. incisions opened surgical closure in dec 2023.resumed fills ..reported problem but surgeon was unavailable, pics and concerns dismissed...sent to w.c, i watched my incision open. only tonight, surgeon called, expander exposed, wants emergency lat flap, w/ no visit before, only 1 day to decide. never discussed. terrified.
I would just have the expanders removed and drains placed so you can make an informed decision. There are more than one option.
Sorry to hear this happened If the expander is exposed to the environment then it absolutely has to come out.
As far as doing a latissimus flap, I don’t know the reasons that your surgeon is saying that they want to do it emergently. If you have a history of radiation, and the wound cannot be closed that may be one reason that they want to do an emergent flap. if your chest wound can be closed without the flap, another option is to place a drain and close the wound.
as a form of reconstruction, latissimus flap is one option, depending on your anatomy you may also be a candidate for flaps from the abdomen (DIEP) or thigh (PAP)