Comparison of anterolateral thigh and radial forearm free flap donor site morbidity

This study evaluated patient-reported outcome of the donor site in patients following head and neck cancer reconstruction. Patients who had undergone cancer reconstruction using either an anterolateral thigh or a radial forearm free flap and who were at least 6 months postsurgery were included and contacted by telephone. There were 37 patients (mean age 61 years, standard deviation 16 years) with 18 anterolateral thigh flaps and 19 radial forearm flaps. The majority of patients were not bothered by scar appearance, light touch, numbness or pain. Significantly more females (P = 0.038) and more patients with radial forearm flaps (P = 0.045) were bothered by the cold at the donor site and more females reported that the shape of the operated extremity was different (P = 0.009). Donor site morbidity is not significant following a radial forearm or anterolateral thigh free flap and the reconstruction should be based upon individual patient factors and surgeon expertise.     

股前外侧皮瓣和前臂皮瓣在头颈部组织缺损修复中的比较

目的 报道股前外侧皮瓣和前臂皮瓣在头颈部缺损修复中的临床效果和优缺点. 方法 分别采用前臂皮瓣和股前外侧皮瓣修复头颈部缺损32例.其中应用前臂皮瓣20例,修复口颊部洞穿性缺损7例、环下咽缺损4例、上腭缺损2例、腮腺区皮肤缺损1例、口底缺损4例,舌根部缺损2例,股前外侧皮瓣12例,分别用于修复舌根部缺损3例,上腭缺损4例,口底、下牙龈缺损5例.对比两组的皮瓣存活情况、修复后功能状况和对供区的影响,分析其优缺点和技术要点.结果 前臂皮瓣完全存活19例,发生血管危象2例.1例经保守治疗后完全存活,1例再次手术后皮瓣表皮坏死.股前外侧皮瓣12例均完全存活,无血管危象发生.原计划行股前外侧皮瓣修复术14例中有2例因皮瓣制备失败而放弃并改用前臂皮瓣.股前外侧继发缺损均可直接拉拢缝合,前臂继发缺损均需植皮. 结论 股前外侧皮瓣和前臂皮瓣移植均有较高成功率,但各有优缺点,修复手段的选择宜根据缺损情况和修复目的灵活使用.     

The pedicled anterolateral thigh island flap for inguinal defects

The interpolated anterolateral thigh flap islanded on its vascular pedicle, is a durable local flap option for large skin and soft tissue defects caused by inguinal block dissections. So far, this flap has not been described for resurfacing such defects. Two cases are presented to highlight the technique. Received: 5 March 1999 / Accepted: 7 July 1999     

Free anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of head and neck defects: preliminary results and a comparison with the radial forearm flap

BACKGROUND: The authors present their personal preliminary experience with the free anterolateral thigh flap in the reconstruction of head and neck defects and compare these first cases with the radial forearm flaps. METHODS: Seventeen patients undergoing free flap reconstruction between December 1998 and September 2001 have been selected for this retrospective study and evaluated. In fourteeen patients reconstruction was performed with a radial forearm flap. In three patients an anterolateral thigh flap was used. Six dissections on cadavers have also been performed in order to study the anatomical variations of the perforators of the lateral circumflex femoral system. RESULTS: All flaps survived, without any major vascular impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a laborious dissection of the pedicle the anterolateral thigh is a versatile flap, with a minimal morbidity of the donor area. Even if the radial forearm is overall accepted as the gold standard for head and neck reconstruction, the anterolateral thigh flap is suggested as a good and safe surgical option, especially when a large flap is requested or in female patients concerned with the cosmetic result in the forearm donor area.     

Reconstruction of large palatal defects using the free anterolateral thigh flap

The ideal reconstructive method for the palatal defect should provide durable, stable coverage, and a natural contour, while simultaneously minimizing morbidity of both the defect and donor sites. Although small and usual palatal defects can be repaired easily using local adjacent tissues, successful closure of large, complex defects is still a challenging problem. Numerous free tissue options have to date been described for large palatal defects. Although the radial forearm flap constitutes a good option for ideal reconstructive goals, the sacrifice of a major artery to the hand and the skin graft to the forearm with its high potential risk of complications are evident problems attendant upon this donor site. Since the first report of the anterolateral thigh flap, this has become one of the most commonly used flaps for the reconstruction of various soft-tissue defects. Between April 2005 and May 2009, 8 free anterolateral thigh flaps were used to reconstruct defects of the palate. The study involved 6 male and 2 female patients, their ages ranging from 3 to 45. Five patients had palatal defects due to congenital cleft palate deformity, 2 patients had defects due to tumor resection, and the remaining patient had a palatal defect due to a gunshot wound. The size of the flaps ranged from 8 to 14 cm in length and from 4 to 7 cm in width. Facial vessels were used as recipient vascular sources in all patients. Primary thinning of the flap was performed in all cases. Donor sites were closed directly and healed uneventfully in all patients. There were no postoperative complications and all flaps survived totally. No debulking was needed. All patients, and their families in the case of child patients, were satisfied with the results of their surgical treatment. In conclusion, although it has some irregularity in derivation from the main vessels, with its evident structural and cosmetic advantages the anterolateral thigh flap can be considered an excellent and ideal free flap option for most large palatal defects that cannot be closed by regional tissue in selected patients. It can reconstruct defects in single stage with well-vascularized tissue, resulting in minimal donor site morbidity.     

Reconstruction of complex thoraco-abdominal defects with extended anterolateral thigh flap

Background:

The reconstruction of complex thoraco-abdominal defects following tumour ablative procedures has evolved over the years from the use of pedicle flaps to free flaps. The free extended anterolateral thigh flap is a good choice to cover large defects in one stage.

Materials and Methods:

From 2004 to 2009, five patients with complex defects of the thoracic and abdominal wall following tumour ablation were reconstructed in one stage and were studied. The commonest tumour was chondrosarcoma. The skeletal component was reconstructed with methylmethacrylate bone cement and polypropylene mesh and the soft tissue with free extended anterolateral thigh flap. The flaps were anastomosed with internal mammary vessels. The donor sites of the flaps were covered with split-skin graft.

Result:

All the flaps survived well. One flap required re-exploration for venous congestion and was successfully salvaged. Two flaps had post operative wound infection and were managed conservatively. All flap donor sites developed hyper-pigmentation, contour deformity and cobble stone appearance.

Conclusion:

Single-stage reconstruction of the complex defects of the thoraco-abdominal region is feasible with extended anterolateral thigh flap and can be adopted as the first procedure of choice.     

Reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects utilizing a free radial forearm flap

The authors report their experience with free radial forearm flaps for oropharyngeal reconstruction. Fifteen patients who submitted to intraoral reconstruction with this flap were followed for periods ranging from 3 to 36 months, with a mean of 14 months. Ages ranged from 15 to 58 years with a mean of 41. The defects were secondary to tumor ablation (11 patients), complications of conventional treatment for congenital deformities (3 patients) and trauma resulting from a gunshot wound to the upper lip and palate (1 patient). Total necrosis of 1 flap occurred and 1 patients required reoperation on the first postoperativeday for revisionof the anastomoses. Our results enable us to recommend the radial forearm flap as the flap of choice for reconstruction of extensive oropharyngeal defects. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Reconstruction of maxillary and palatal defects with the free radial forearm flap

We present six patients with maxillary and palate defects that were reconstructed with the radial forearm flap. Four patients had malignant neoplasms involving the maxilla, three with squamous cell carcinoma and the fourth with recurrent basal cell carcinoma. They were treated with excision and immediate reconstruction using a radial forearm free flap. The other two patients presented with large fistulae between the maxilla and nasal sinuses, these being sequelae of previous surgical treatment for malignancies. The fistulae were closed with radial forearm free flaps. This method provides primary wound healing, restoration of palatal function, preservation of facial contour, and a minimal morbidity while obviating the need for palatal prosthesis. In the six cases, the oral cavity has been completely separated from the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity, and all patients demonstrated satisfactory deglutition and intelligible speech.     

Reconstruction of hand soft-tissue defects: alternatives to the radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap

Soft-tissue defects of the hand and wrist are not an uncommon problem confronting the hand surgeon. Over the past 20 years the retrograde radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap has gained widespread acceptance in reconstruction of these defects. Appreciation of the inherent limitations of this workhorse flap and increased understanding of the blood supply of the upper extremity have prompted the development of several alternative pedicled forearm flaps. Aspects of surgical technique, specific limitations, and indications for the radial forearm fascial flap, the posterior interosseous artery flap, the retrograde radial artery perforator flap, and the dorsal ulnar artery flap are discussed and a reconstructive algorithm for flap selection is presented.     

Reconstruction of two separate defects in the upper extremity using anterolateral thigh chimeric flap

We presented our experience on the use of anterolateral thigh (ALT) chimeric flap to reconstruct two separate defects in upper extremity. From December 2009 to August 2012, we used this ALT chimeric flap to reconstruct two separate defects in upper extremity on five patients (mean age: 36.6 years; range: 15～47 years). The locations of defect were palm and fingers in four patients and forearm in the other patient. The sizes of defect ranged from 4.5 × 1.5 cm to 20 × 10 cm. A minimum of two separate perforator vessels in the flap were identified. The skin paddle was then split between the two perforators to shape two separate paddles with a common vascular supply. There were no cases of flap failure or re‐exploration. Four donor sites were directly closed and one was covered by a skin graft. Donor‐site morbidity was negligible. The ALT chimeric flap provides customized cover for two separate defects in upper extremity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:631–637, 2013.     

Reconstruction of foot and ankle defects with a superthin innervated anterolateral thigh perforator flap

Background: An anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap can be thinned to an extent to which it is vascularised only by the subdermal plexus. This study presents an innervated flap thinning technique and its application for dorsal foot and ankle resurfacing.

Methods: A superthin innervated ALT perforator flap was used to repair the dorsal foot and ankle of 12 patients. The perforators were classified according to their variations in the adipose layer, and the corresponding microdissection technique was then applied. The branch of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and its accompanying vessels were adopted to construct a sensory flap.

Results: The flap thickness before defatting, which was measured immediately after flap elevation, ranged from 25–45?mm. The average flap thickness after defatting was 4.55?mm (range =?3–6?mm). A total of 11 flaps completely survived, and one flap presented superficial necrosis within a small area (2?cm ×2?cm) in the distal part of the flap. No further flap revision or defatting procedures were required for these patients during an average follow-up period of 16.5 months (range =?10–24 months). In the transferred flap, protective sensibility existed in all cases, and the static two-point discrimination was 13–16?mm.

Conclusions: The superthin innervated ALT perforator flap may be considered as an ideal strategy for foot and ankle reconstruction.     

One-stage reconstruction of large scalp defects: anterolateral thigh flap

Seven patients with large scalp and calvarial defects underwent reconstruction with free tissue transfer. Patients fell into two groups according to etiology: tumoral (five) or traumatic (two). A single type of free flap was used in each patient, i.e., the anterolateral thigh flap. Duraplasties with the flaps' vascularized fasciae were performed in two patients with minor calvarial defects, and nonvascularized fasciae were used in another two, with a cranioplasty using methylmethacrylate. One postoperative death and one venous congestion necessitating exploration were observed. The explored anastomosis revealed occlusion of the venous anastomosis; drainage with a venous graft into the neck veins was performed. Minor tissue loss with secondary healing was observed in the flap. Extensive scalp defects often necessitate challenging reconstructive procedures. Single-stage reconstruction with good qualified tissue is possible with a free tissue transfer. The anterolateral thigh flap provides a large amount of tissue with decreased donor-site morbidity and good cosmetic results.     

The radial artery forearm flap: an anomaly of the radial artery

The radial forearm flap derives its blood supply from the radial artery. Anatomical variations of this vessel are uncommon. This report describes an anomaly which has relevance for the radial forearm flap.     

逆行股前外侧岛状皮瓣修复膝关节周围软组织缺损

【摘要】目的 探讨采用股前外侧逆行岛状穿支皮瓣修复膝关节周围严重创伤性软组织缺损的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2008年至2012年,我院采用股前外侧逆行岛状穿支皮瓣修复膝关节周围严重创伤性皮肤软组织缺8例,术后观察皮瓣存活情况和恢复情况。结果 除了1例病例边缘小部分坏死,通过换药愈合外,其余皮瓣全部存活,皮瓣质地弹性好,外形满意。术后无明显感染及并发症。结论 采用股前外侧逆行岛状穿支皮瓣修复膝关节周围严重创伤性软组织缺损,具有血供可靠,血管蒂较长等优点,术后疗效满意。     

股前外侧皮瓣联合股直肌肌腱瓣移植修复前臂软组织伴肌腱缺损

2005年6月至2009年3月,我们应用旋股外侧动脉降支肌皮穿支或肌间隙皮支为血供的股前外侧皮瓣,联合切取以旋股外侧动脉降支为蒂股直肌肌腱瓣游离移植修复7例前臂软组织伴肌腱缺损,术后疗效满意. 1.一般资料:本组7例,男6例,女1例;年龄18～42岁,平均26岁.均为外伤性前臂软组织缺损伴肌腱、血管缺损和部分骨质外露的创面.损伤原因:交通伤1例,机器绞伤2例,热压伤4例.左侧2例,右侧5例.前臂创面面积为8 cm×7cm～22cm×12 cm.其中背侧创面伴指伸肌腱缺损5例,掌侧创面伴指屈肌腱缺损2例,肌腱缺损长度为5～15 cm.1例急诊一期行修复术;2例因创面污染较重,清创术后二期行修复术;4例热压伤先行扩创、切痂后二期行修复术.     

股前外侧皮瓣联合股直肌肌腱瓣移植修复前臂软组织伴肌腱缺损

2005年6月至2009年3月,我们应用旋股外侧动脉降支肌皮穿支或肌间隙皮支为血供的股前外侧皮瓣,联合切取以旋股外侧动脉降支为蒂股直肌肌腱瓣游离移植修复7例前臂软组织伴肌腱缺损,术后疗效满意. 1.一般资料:本组7例,男6例,女1例;年龄18～42岁,平均26岁.均为外伤性前臂软组织缺损伴肌腱、血管缺损和部分骨质外露的创面.损伤原因:交通伤1例,机器绞伤2例,热压伤4例.左侧2例,右侧5例.前臂创面面积为8 cm×7cm～22cm×12 cm.其中背侧创面伴指伸肌腱缺损5例,掌侧创面伴指屈肌腱缺损2例,肌腱缺损长度为5～15 cm.1例急诊一期行修复术;2例因创面污染较重,清创术后二期行修复术;4例热压伤先行扩创、切痂后二期行修复术.     

股前外侧皮瓣联合股直肌肌腱瓣移植修复前臂软组织伴肌腱缺损

2005年6月至2009年3月,我们应用旋股外侧动脉降支肌皮穿支或肌间隙皮支为血供的股前外侧皮瓣,联合切取以旋股外侧动脉降支为蒂股直肌肌腱瓣游离移植修复7例前臂软组织伴肌腱缺损,术后疗效满意. 1.一般资料:本组7例,男6例,女1例;年龄18～42岁,平均26岁.均为外伤性前臂软组织缺损伴肌腱、血管缺损和部分骨质外露的创面.损伤原因:交通伤1例,机器绞伤2例,热压伤4例.左侧2例,右侧5例.前臂创面面积为8 cm×7cm～22cm×12 cm.其中背侧创面伴指伸肌腱缺损5例,掌侧创面伴指屈肌腱缺损2例,肌腱缺损长度为5～15 cm.1例急诊一期行修复术;2例因创面污染较重,清创术后二期行修复术;4例热压伤先行扩创、切痂后二期行修复术.