游离股前外侧皮瓣在复杂头皮软组织缺损中的应用

目的 探讨游离股前外侧皮瓣修复复杂头皮软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法 应用游离股前外侧皮瓣修复20例复杂头皮软组织缺损患者,其中合并颅骨外露6例,颅骨缺损3例,合并感染4例,合并头皮疤痕挛缩9例。头皮缺损面积6 cm×10 cm～22 cm×13 cm,颅骨外露6 cm×8 cm～21 cm×12 cm。结果 术后随访6个月～2年,19例皮瓣均完全成活,皮瓣柔软,无明显色素沉着。其中1例小儿患者术后第3天出现皮瓣远端颅顶部部分发黑,予以换药、温盐水热敷、蒂部缝线拆除后皮瓣成活,但遗留色素沉着。20例患者中,仅1例发生供区发生植皮边缘坏死,予以换药处理后创面愈合。结论 旋股外侧动脉降支与颞浅动脉口径相当,应用游离股前外侧皮瓣可有效修复创伤及肿瘤所致复杂头皮软组织缺损。     

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.     

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.     

Aesthetic and functional advantages of the anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of tumor-related scalp defects

Eleven patients underwent free-flap reconstruction of tumor-related defects of the scalp, forehead, and temporal region. Flap selection aimed at achieving acceptable functional and aesthetic results combined with negligible donor-site morbidity. Ten males and one female, aged 61.3 +/- 14.3 years, were included in this study. Eight patients presented with tumor recurrences after previous surgery, irradiation, and/or chemotherapy. The average extension of defects was 169.5 (range, 30-600) qcm. Free flaps employed for reconstruction included antero-lateral thigh flaps (8), suprafascial radial forearm flap (1), lateral arm flap (1), latissimus dorsi muscle flap (1), and myocutaneous vertical rectus abdominis flap (1). Other procedures included nerve grafts to the facial nerve (2), ectropion correction (2), and fascia lata slings for static procedure in facial palsy (2). There was no pedicle revision and no flap failure. Donor-site morbidity was negligible. Hospitalization averaged 9.2 +/- 1.7 days. The anterolateral thigh perforator flap offers excellent coverage of tumor-related defects of the scalp, which require a thin flap for adequate contouring. The customized harvested myocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap is regarded as an elegant option for covering defects which consist of both deep and superficial areas. Fascia lata and nerve grafts are available at the same donor site. This easily allows additional procedures for cosmetic and functional improvement that are of high benefit for patients.     

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     

Rationale for reconstruction of large scalp defects using the anterolateral thigh flap: structural and aesthetic outcomes

The advent of free tissue transfer has provided multiple options that allow preservation and maintain both the structural and aesthetic status of the scalp. Since the first report of the anterolateral thigh flap in 1984, it has become one of the most commonly used flaps for the reconstruction of various soft-tissue defects. Eleven free anterolateral thigh flaps were used to reconstruct soft-tissue defects of different regions of the scalp. Two of these flaps were used for the occipital region, six for temporal regions, two for the frontoparietal midline region, and the remaining flap for a defect of the forehead. The study consisted of 10 males and one female whose ages ranged from 18 to 82 years (mean age: 52.5 years). Six patients had primary or recurrent cancer, four had acute or subacute wounds resulting from trauma or craniotomy, and one had high-tension electrical burn injury. The size of the flaps ranged from 14 to 27 cm in length and from 6 to 18 cm in width. The overall flap success rate was 100%. In two cases, primary thinning of the flap was performed to reconstruct a tissue defect of the temporal region in one patient and a forehead defect in the other. In two patients, the fascial layer of the flap was used as a source for a vascularized fascial flap to cover defects of the dura mater. No secondary corrections, including debulking procedures or scar revision, were necessary. No infections or hematomas were observed. Six cases underwent split-thickness skin grafting of the donor site and, in the remaining cases, the donor sites were closed directly. No donor-site morbidity was observed. The authors conclude that with its evident structural and cosmetic advantages, the anterolateral thigh flap can be considered an excellent flap option for most scalp defects.     

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.     

Free anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of major craniofacial defects

Free-tissue transfer has revolutionized skull-base surgery by expanding the ability to perform cranial base resection and by improving the quality of reconstruction. The anterolateral thigh flap has come recently into use in the field of head and neck reconstruction. Its role in craniofacial and midface reconstruction has not been specifically defined. This study involved a total of 18 patients who were treated over a 5-year period from 1998 to 2003. Seventeen patients had locally advanced head and neck cancer, requiring craniofacial resection, and one patient had a complicated gun shot wound of the forehead. Thirteen patients were treated at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt, and five patients at the University of Miami, Florida. The patients presented with defects of the anterior skull base (5), lateral skull base (3), scalp and calvarium (3), and the midface (7). The anterolateral thigh flap was used as a myocutaneous flap in 11 cases and as a perforator fasciocutaneous flap in seven cases. Musculocutaneous perforators supplied the majority of flaps (17/18). Total flap survival occurred in 17 cases; one patient developed complete flap necrosis. The most commonly used recipient vessels were the facial vessels and the external jugular vein. Major complications included one case with meningitis; the patient died after failure of treatment. Another patient died 6 weeks postoperatively from pulmonary embolism. One patient developed CSF leak that stopped spontaneously. In addition, two patients developed minor wound dehiscence that healed spontaneously. The donor-site wound healed without problems except in two cases. One patient had an incomplete take of the skin graft; the other developed wound infection and superficial sloughing. Both wounds healed spontaneously. In addition to the feasibility of simultaneous flap harvesting with tumor resection, the flap's advantage in skull base reconstruction is its reliable blood supply, which can provide adequate dural cover and protection of the brain. Its size and moderate thickness are suitable for reconstruction of scalp and calvarial defects. The abundance of reliably vascularized fat in the flap may be an advantage in long-term maintenance of the volume of the flap in midface reconstruction. Similar to other soft tissue flaps, additional skeletal reconstruction may still be required to achieve an optimal functional and aesthetic result.     

代偿性应用股前内侧皮瓣修复四肢软组织缺损

目的探讨在行股前外侧皮瓣修复四肢软组织缺损时因血管变异临时变更原设计,代偿性应用股前内侧皮瓣补充替代的临床疗效。方法2005年3月-2013年3月,在行股前外侧皮瓣修复四肢软组织缺损时因血管变异临时改制股前内侧皮瓣修复5例,其中手背创面3例,足背创面2例;缺损面积5cm×8cm×11cm×19cm：本组3例与受区桡动脉、头静脉吻合,2例与足背动脉、伴行静脉吻合;供区直接缝合3例,部分植皮2例。结果本组5例皮瓣全部成活,未出现血管危象,其中1例因切取面积过大,出现皮瓣远端部分坏死．经换药后愈合。随访1～24个月,临床效果满意。结论股前内侧皮瓣可作为股前外侧皮瓣的补充替代,应用股前内侧皮瓣游离移植修复四肢软组织缺损,临床效果满意,值得推广虚丽、     

The preexpanded anterolateral thigh free flap

The anterolateral thigh flap has many of the attributes of the ideal soft-tissue flap. However, a major detriment is the potential conspicuous donor site deformity, especially if skin grafted. In elective situations, preexpansion of the lateral thigh with subsequent transfer of even a wide anterolateral thigh flap can permit primary donor site closure and avoidance of a skin graft. This has been achieved successfully in 2 compliant patients, and is a reasonable solution to minimize the morbidity of this otherwise important donor site.     

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.     

Reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap for knee and proximal calf defects

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of defects involving the knee and proximal one third of the lower leg presents a challenging problem in plastic surgery. AIM: To evaluate the reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap for covering such defects. METHODS: Between September 2006 and May 2007, one man and four women with defects around the knee and upper calf underwent reconstruction with reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flaps. The patients' average age was 45 years (25-72 years). The size of the transferred flap ranged from 6cmx8cm to 12cmx13cm. RESULTS: Four flaps with overlying skin grafts healed uneventfully; one skin graft showed minor necrosis due to haematoma, but the adipofascial flap survived well. Postoperatively the appearance of the reconstructive flap was acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: The reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap is an effective option for covering defects of the knee and proximal calf.     

The use of the anterolateral thigh flap to reconstruct extremity defects in a paediatric population

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is one of the most versatile in adult soft tissue reconstruction. Free tissue transfer has its own associated risks within the paediatric population. We report a series of four ALT flaps performed in children over a 12-month period. Three patients had tissue defects resulting from trauma, while another had break down of the previous wound following amputation. We experienced an overall flap success rate of 100% and had only minor complications of partial wound dehiscence in one patient and superficial infection in one patient. The function and cosmetic outcome of these patients at review was excellent. Despite the technical difficulties associated with microsurgery in this age group, the results of this small study suggests the versatility of the ALT flap in adults may be equivalent to a paediatric population. The psychological impact of any free tissue transfer on both children and their parents should not be underestimated.