Computed tomography angiography imaging for the chimeric anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of full thickness buccal defect

Background: Microvascular free flap transplantation is the current most common choice for reconstruction of difficult through‐and‐through buccal defect after cancer extirpation. The chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is an ideal flap to cover this full thickness defect, but variation in the location of perforators is a major concern. Herein, we introduce computed tomographic angiography (CTA)‐guided mathematical perforators mapping for chimeric ALT flap design and harvest. Methods: Between September 2008 and March 2009, nine patients with head and neck tumour underwent preoperative CTA perforator mapping before free ALT flap reconstruction of full thickness buccal defects. The perforators were marked on a 64‐section multi‐detector CT image for each patient, and the actual perforator locations were correlated with the intra‐operative dissection. The donor limb of choice, either right or left, was also selected based on the dominant vascularity. Flap success rates, any associated morbidity and complications were recorded. Results: A total of 23 perforators were identified on CTA image preoperatively. Twenty‐two of these perforators were chosen for chimeric flap design, and all were located as the CTA predicted, with the rate of utilization being 95.7% (22/23). There were two post‐operative complications, including one partial flap necrosis and one microstomia. All of the ALT flaps survived, and there was no donor site morbidity. Conclusions: Preoperative CTA allows accurate perforator mapping and evaluation of the dominant vascularity. It helps the surgeon to get an ideal designing of the chimeric ALT flap with two skin paddles based on individual perforators, but only one vascular anastomosis in reconstruction of full thickness buccal defects.     

Single free anterolateral thigh flap for simultaneous reconstruction of composite hypopharyngeal and external neck skin defect after head and neck cancer ablation

Single flap for complex hypopharyngoesophageal and anterior neck skin defect reconstruction is still a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Herein, we present five patients, with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer and anterior neck skin invasion, which received a single anterolateral thigh (ALT) fasciocutaneous flap for composite inner pharyngeal and outer skin defect reconstruction after wide composite resection. Two ALT flaps were divided into two distinct paddles supplied by two or more separate perforators, one part for reconstructing the inner pharyngeal defect and another for neck skin coverage. Three ALT flaps only supplied by one sizable perforator could not be divided and de‐epithelization of mid‐part had to be done to reconstruct both defects with the single flap. The results revealed survival of all flaps. There were no flap loss, fistulas, or bleeding complications. All patients recovered uneventfully and could eat a soft diet to regular diet postoperatively. In conclusion, one‐staged reconstruction of complex pharyngoesophageal and external skin defects after extensive oncological resection is feasible using a single ALT fasciocutaneous free flap. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.     

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.     

Clinical use of a pedicled anterolateral thigh flap.

BACKGROUND: Anterolateral thigh flap is a safe and reliable flap for soft tissue reconstruction. It has successfully been used as free flap reconstruction for defects in the head and neck region, the upper extremities and lower extremities. However, there were only a few reports in the literature concerning the clinical application of this flap for regional reconstruction. METHODS: The authors describe their experience of using the pedicled island anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in neighbouring areas. Representative cases are presented for illustration. RESULT: Between July 2005 and September 2006, seven patients underwent an immediate reconstruction with pedicled anterolateral thigh flap. The patients were between 49 and 69 years old. The size of the flaps measured from 5 x 8 cm to 15 x 15 cm. They were prepared as myocutaneous flaps in three cases and as perforator flaps in four cases. One patient, who had the largest flap harvested, needed skin grafting of the donor site. Primary closure was performed for all other cases. All flaps survived without any vascular compromise and the donor site healed without complication. CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap is a safe and reliable flap for repair of defects at the internal pelvis, lateral thigh, groin, and genitoperineal region. The long vascular pedicle and having no restriction to the arc of rotation are keys to the successful transposition of the flap for immediate reconstruction of soft tissue defects in neighbouring areas.     

Versatility of the free anterolateral thigh flap: clinical experience in a series of 20 patients

The main nutrient vessel of the anterolateral thigh flap is the perforator originating from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA). It supplies a large area of skin on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. We present the experience of 20 consecutive anterolateral thigh flaps used for a variety of soft tissue defects. Fourteen flaps were used for lower leg reconstruction, four in the head and neck, and the remaining two in the hand. The largest flap was 30᎗ cm. All flaps survived except two which had partial skin necrosis, but the underlying adipose tissue survived and was grafted. Reexploration was needed for one patient in whom a thrombus blocking the vein was removed, and the flap survived completely. The anterolateral thigh flap has the advantage of a long vascular pedicle, large-caliber vessels, availability of a large skin flap area, and suitability as a flow-through flap.     

Using the distal part of vastus lateralis muscle as chimeric anterolateral thigh free flap is a more flexible tool for head and neck reconstruction

The chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap with vastus lateralis (VL) has been our workhorse for soft tissue head and neck reconstruction following cancer resection. Using the distal portion of the VL muscle, as part of the chimeric flap, which is based on the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and supplied separately from the skin paddle of the flap, has proved to be a more flexible tool for coverage of these extensive and multidimensional defects. The ALT flap has been a reliable soft tissue source and has shown superiority over other flaps for head and neck reconstruction, especially over its main rival, the radial forearm flap. It offers many advantages and in spite of the intramuscular dissection of the perforator(s) being a challenge, having gained substantial experience in raising this flap, we think that the flap can be harvested safely using a careful dissection, refinements of the surgical technique and understanding of the variable anatomy of the thigh region. This flap solves the problems, which are often encountered by the reconstructive surgeon such as the pedicle length, flap inset, and deficiency of recipient vessels. The purpose of this study is to describe the operative technique, the clinical applications, and the advantages of this variation of the chimeric ALT flap.     

穿支游离皮瓣修复头颈肿瘤术后缺损

目的 探索更为理想的穿支游离皮瓣修复技术，运用于头颈肿瘤术后缺损。方法 2003年12月-2005年5月用于头颈部手术缺损修复的穿支游离皮瓣共14例（股前外侧皮瓣8例，腹壁下深动脉穿支皮瓣6例）。其中10例为复发后挽救手术，12例曾行放疗（平均63．5Gy）。头颈部肿瘤手术缺损部位分别为舌体3例，颊黏膜3例，口咽壁3例，舌根2例，颅底、头皮以及中面部各1例。受区供吻合动脉主要是甲状腺上动脉和面动脉；静脉为颈内静脉。结果 13例穿支游离皮瓣成功（93％），有1例穿支皮瓣因吻合侧的颈内静脉血栓形成导致皮瓣坏死。受区未发现其它明显并发症。供区均直接缝合关闭并一期愈合，未发现腹壁疝和运动受限等手术并发症。结论 穿支游离皮瓣保留了供区的肌肉、筋膜和神经，将供区的并发症降到最低限度，是头颈部缺损修复新的可靠技术。     

Free tissue transfers in head and neck reconstruction: Complications,outcomes and strategies for management of flap failure: Analysis of 2019 flaps in single institute

Background: Free tissue transfer has become the preferred option for complex reconstructions in head and neck cancer ablation. This study reviewed the surgical outcome and analyzed the evolution of microsurgical head and neck reconstruction over 20 years in single institute. Patients and Methods: A total of 1,918 patients underwent microsurgical head and neck reconstructions in 20‐year period. The surgical outcome and complications among these 2,019 flaps (1,223 anterolateral thigh flaps, 372 fibula flaps, 353 radial forearm flaps, 12 jejunal flaps, and 59 others) were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Results: A total of 201 cases required emergent surgical re‐exploration and the overall flap success rate was 96.2%. Venous insufficiency was the most common cause for re‐exploration. Other major complications included fistula formation (5.4%), partial flap necrosis (7.5%), and infection (17.8%). The fibula flap had frequent complications compared with soft tissue flaps. The familiarity to the ALT flap had minimized complications and allowed for widely versatile uses. Conclusion: Free tissue transfer is shown to be highly reliable option for head and neck reconstruction. For soft tissue defect, ALT flap is the first choice. Fibula flap is ideal for bone defect reconstruction. In case of complex composite defects, double flaps, which include ALT and fibula flaps could reconstruct bone and soft tissue defects simultaneously with high success rate. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:339–344, 2014.     

Reconstructive indications of simultaneous double free flaps in the head and neck: A case series and literature review

Extensive and complex defects of the head and neck involving multiple anatomical and functional subunits are a reconstructive challenge. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the reconstructive indications of the use of simultaneous double free flaps in head and neck oncological surgery. This is a retrospective review of 21 consecutive cases of head and neck malignancies treated surgically with resection and reconstruction with simultaneous use of double free flaps. Nineteen of 21 patients had T4 primary tumor stage. Eleven patients had prior history of radiotherapy or chemo‐radiotherapy. Forty‐two free flaps were used in these patients. The predominant combination was that of free fibula osteo‐cutaneous flap with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) fascio‐cutaneous flap. The indications of the simultaneous use of double free flaps can be broadly classified as: (a) large oro‐mandibular bone and soft tissue defects (n = 13), (b) large oro‐mandibular soft tissue defects (n = 4), (c) complex skull‐base defects (n = 2), and (d) dynamic total tongue reconstruction (n = 2). Flap survival rate was 95%. Median follow‐up period was 11 months. Twelve patients were alive and free of disease at the end of the follow‐up. Eighteen of 19 patients with oro‐mandibular and glossectomy defects were able to resume an oral diet within two months while one patient remained gastrostomy dependant till his death due to disease not related to cancer. This patient had a combination of free fibula flap with free ALT flap, for an extensive oro‐mandibular defect. The associated large defect involving the tongue accounted for the swallowing difficulty. Simultaneous use of double free flap aided the reconstruction in certain large complex defects after head and neck oncologic resections. Such combination permits better complex multiaxial subunit reconstruction. An algorithm for choice of flap combination for the appropriate indications is proposed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.     

Bilateral pedicle anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap combined with bilateral sartorius muscle flap for reconstruction of extensive perineoscrotal and medial thigh defect because of Fournier's gangrene

Fournier's gangrene is an acute and potentially lethal necrotizing fasciitis that can lead to extensive defects of the perineoscrotal area and lower abdominal wall as well. Such defect poses challenging tasks for both functional and cosmetic reconstruction. Local perforator pedicle flaps and muscle flaps can be employed and combined for such a reconstruction. In this report we present a case of reconstruction of a massive perineoscrotal and upper medial thigh defect because of Fournier's gangrene using a bilateral pedicle anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and sartorius muscle flap. A 61 year‐old male who suffered from Fournier's gangrene resulted in a perineal, scrotal, and medial thigh defect of 27 × 30 cm² with exposure of the femoral vessels. A bilateral pedicle ALT flap measuring 30 × 9 cm² based on two perforators and a bilateral sartorius muscle flap were harvested for soft tissue defect reconstruction and inguinal vessels coverage, respectively. The flaps survived completely, with no recipient or donor site morbidity. The length of follow‐up was 6 months and was uneventful. A bilateral pedicle ALT flap combined with bilateral sartorius flap may be considered as a valid and safe option for an extensive inguinal and perineoscrotal reconstruction in selected cases. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:669–673, 2017.     

Customized reconstruction with the free anterolateral thigh perforator flap

From April of 2003 through September of 2006, 70 free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were transferred for reconstructing soft-tissue defects. The overall success rate was 96%. Among 70 free ALT flaps, 11 were elevated as cutaneous ALT septocutaneous vessel flaps. Fifty-seven were harvested as cutaneous ALT myocutaneous "true" perforator flaps. Two flaps were used as fasciocutaneous perforator flaps based on independent skin vessels. Fifty-four ALT flaps were used for lower extremity reconstruction, 11 flaps were used for upper extremity reconstruction, 3 flaps were used for trunk reconstruction, and 1 flap was used for head and neck reconstruction. Total flap failure occurred in 3 patients (4.28% of the flaps), and partial failure occurred in 5 patients (7.14% of the flaps). The three flaps that failed completely were reconstructed with a free radial forearm flap, a latissimus dorsi flap and skin grafting, respectively. Among the five flaps that failed partially, three were reconstructed with skin grafting, one with a sural flap, and one with primary closure. The free ALT flap has become the workhorse for covering defects in most clinical situations in our center. It is a reliable flap with consistent anatomy and a long, constant pedicle diameter. Its versatility, in which thickness and volume can be adjusted, leads to a perfect match for customized reconstruction of complex defects.     

De-epithelialised anterior (anterolateral and anteromedial) thigh flaps for dead space filling and contour correction in head and neck reconstruction.

Anterior (anterolateral and anteromedial) thigh flaps based on the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessels provide a long vascular pedicle and a large flap without sacrificing main vessels and muscles. Twenty-eight de-epithelialized anterior thigh flaps were transferred for reconstruction of head and neck defects following tumour ablation. Two flaps were lost in patients that had previously undergone high-dose radiotherapy following free tissue transfer. Vascularised fibula, vascularised iliac bone and other tissues were combined with anterior thigh flaps in 13 cases utilising the distal end or derivative branches of the vascular pedicle. Salivary fistula was seen in only one case, although there were many minor and major complications. In five cases, double skin flaps were harvested from the ipsilateral thigh. One of these flaps was used for coverage of intraoral defects, while the other was placed in the submandibular area to fill dead space. Compared with other methods, this multi-flap method is considered to be most suitable for dead space filling and contour correction.     

Repair of buccal defects with anterolateral thigh flaps

The ideal reconstructive method for the buccal mucosa should provide durable, stable coverage and a natural contour, while simultaneously minimizing morbidity of both the defect and donor sites. 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. From March 2004-April 2005, 24 free anterolateral thigh flaps were used to reconstruct buccal defects, including the retromolar trigone and as far as the oral commissure, and in some cases with extension to the neighboring palatal region and tongue. The study comprised 1 female and 23 male patients, with ages ranging from 26-63 years (mean age, 45.8 years). Two flaps required reoperation due to vascular compromise, and both were salvaged with arterial and venous anastomosis revisions, giving an overall success rate of 100%. Primary thinning of the flap was performed in 10 cases. In 2 cases, additional vastus lateralis muscle was included in the flap to fill the large defect. In 2 cases, marginal necrosis with dehiscence of the flap was observed, one of these patients having a history of atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus (marginal skin necrosis and infection of the donor area were also observed in this patient). In 2 patients, seroma collection was observed in the neck at the dissection site. Chart reviews showed that most patients had a history of betel-nut chewing (95.8%) or a combination of smoking and betel-nut chewing (79.2%). During the follow-up period of 4-12 months, a sufficient level of mouth-opening with interincisal distances of 34 mm, 44 mm, and 48 mm was achieved in all 3 cases reconstructed after release of the trismus. Although it has some variations in the vascular pedicle, irregularity in derivation from the main vessels, and minimal morbidity of the donor site, the anterolateral thigh flap, with its evident functional, structural, and cosmetic advantages, can be considered an excellent and ideal flap option, and a first choice for most buccal defects.     

游离股前外侧皮瓣修复口腔软组织缺损

目的 探讨分析3种游离股前外侧皮瓣在口腔软组织缺损修复中的临床特点与治疗效果。方法 2008年12月至2010年12月收治67例口腔肿瘤患者,切除肿瘤的同时,应用游离股前外侧皮瓣修复缺损处,包括舌、颊、牙龈、口底,通常将皮瓣的旋股外侧动脉降支与受区的颌外动脉或甲状腺上动脉吻合,伴行静脉与受区的面总静脉或颈外静脉吻合。根据游离股前外侧皮瓣的厚度将其分成3种类型：股前外侧肌皮瓣、股前外侧脂肪筋膜皮瓣和薄型股前外侧皮瓣。结果 67例中股前外侧肌皮瓣为35例,股前外侧脂肪筋膜皮瓣17例,薄型股前外侧皮瓣15例。66例皮瓣存活,成功率为98.5％,其中1例糖尿病患者皮瓣发生小部分坏死,经清创换药后痊愈;1例皮瓣完全坏死。67例皮瓣中41例吻合2条静脉,26例吻合1条静脉。8例出现血管危象：6例为静脉血栓（5例抢救成功、1例皮瓣完全坏死）,1例为术区血肿,1例为穿支血管扭转,经过相应处理,血管危象均得到缓解。术后随访2～ 24个月,平均8.7个月,受区组织缺损修复效果满意,供区创面愈合良好。结论 游离股前外侧皮瓣的受区功能良好,供区并发症少,是一种修复口腔软组织缺损的较为理想的方法。     

吻合血管的股前外侧皮瓣修复头颈肿瘤术后复杂缺损

目的：评价吻合血管的股前外侧皮瓣在头颈肿瘤术后复杂缺损修复中的作用。方法：1990年5月-2001年4月，应用吻合血管的股前外侧皮瓣移植，修复口颊癌、喉癌、面部皮肤癌、上颌窦癌术后大面积软组织复杂缺损21例。结果：19例成功，1例皮瓣部分坏死，1例失败。随诊6个月到10年，9例无瘤生存，外观及功能满意；2例带瘤生存；5例死于局部复发；4例分别死于颈淋巴结转移、脑转移、第二原发癌及脑血管意外；1例失访。结论：吻合血管的股前外侧皮瓣可提供充足的组织量、存活率高、供区隐蔽、不牺牲重要血管，适用于修复头颈肿瘤术后复杂缺损。     

Head and neck reconstruction

Whatever is excisable, is reconstructable! “You excise, we will reconstruct” are the confident words of reconstructive surgeons today. Reconstruction with multiple flaps has become routine. Radial artery (FRAF), Antero lateral thigh (ALT) and Fibula osteo cutaneous flap (FFOCF) are three most popular free flaps which can reconstruct any defect with excellent asthetics and performance. Radial Artery provides thin, pliable innervated skin; ALT large amount of skin & bulk; and FFOCF strong 22 to 25 centimetres of bone and reliable skin paddle. Free flap survival has gone to 98% in most of the renouned institutes and is an established escalator in management of defects.KEY WORDS: Free flap, head and neck, reconstruction     

股前外侧组织瓣临床应用112例分析

目的 总结分析股前外侧组织瓣解剖规律及其在组织缺损修复重建中的适应证和应用价值。方法1985年3月-2004年8月，对112例股前外侧组织瓣移植进行临床总结。其中男67例，女45例。年龄5～65岁，平均38．5岁。针对受区不同情况，将股前外侧组织瓣切取分为4类：吻合血管的游离皮瓣移植78例；吻合血管的游离脂肪筋膜瓣移植22例；带蒂顺行岛状皮瓣移位5例；远端为蒂逆行岛状皮瓣移位7例。对面、颈、肢体、躯干等部位的软组织缺损所致功能障碍或外观缺陷进行修复，并对术后效果和供区恢复情况进行评价。结果营养股前外侧组织瓣的动脉皮支出现率100％，具有肌间隙皮穿支（33％）和肌皮穿支（67％）两种基本解剖类型。组织瓣源血管均为旋股外侧动脉降支或横支。皮瓣移植成活107例，成活率达95．6％。术后33例获随访6个月～11年，远期随访效果满意率91％，供区无功能受限。结论股前外侧组织瓣解剖恒定，具有多种突出优点，是修复软组织缺损的理想材料。尤其是穿支皮瓣形式，可保持受区形态，降低供区损伤，成为应用趋势。     

The versatile anterolateral thigh flap: a musculocutaneous flap in disguise in head and neck reconstruction.

In search of an alternative soft tissue free flap donor site to radial forearm flap and rectus abdominis flap in head and neck reconstruction, we used the anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of various defects in the head and neck in 59 patients. The aim was to demonstrate the versatility of this donor site and propose a new approach to achieve a safer flap dissection. With the exception of three cases, all defects resulted from excision of malignant tumours. The defects were categorised as full thickness defects of the mandible (33.9%), full thickness defects of the cheek (52.5%) and others (13.6%). During the flap dissection a direct septocutaneous pedicle was observed in 12% of the cases. In the remaining cases there were only musculocutaneous perforators and the flaps were raised either as a split vastus lateralis musculocutaneous flap (72%) or as a perforator flap (16%), depending on the required thickness. Total flap survival was 96.7% with one total and one partial failure and two re-explorations (3.3%). The mean follow-up time was 7.1 months (range: 1-12 months). In conclusion, the anterolateral thigh flap is a versatile and dependable flap that can be adapted to any type of defect by modifying the flap design and composition. It should be considered to be a musculocutaneous flap of the vastus lateralis muscle that can also be raised as a perforator flap. When harvested and used in this context, the flap dissection becomes very safe and consistent, nullifying the only major disadvantage associated with this donor site.     

Anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap for the restoration of facial contour deformities

From January 2000 to May 2008, 50 patients with facial contour deformities underwent soft tissue augmentation with 51 anterolateral thigh (ALT) adipofascial flaps. Fifty flaps survived with no complications; partial fat necrosis occurred in one flap. Mean follow‐up was 16 months. Flaps ranged from 10 × 6 cm to 20 × 12 cm. Perforators were found in 50 flaps, 43 musculocutaneous perforators (84.3%) and 7 septocutaneous perforators (13.7%), with a mean of 2.5 perforators per flap. In one flap (2.0%), no perforator was found. In this case, we used an anteromedial thigh adipofascial flap using the medial branch of the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery as the vascular pedicle. Relatively symmetric facial contour was achieved in 20 cases. In 30 cases, adjunctive procedures including flap debulking, fat injection, and resuspension were necessary, and 23 patients achieved satisfactory outcomes. We conclude that the ALT adipofascial flap can be successfully elevated and transplanted for the correction of soft tissue facial defects. This flap can provide tissue to fill large defects, and posses the qualities of pliability, an excellent blood supply, ease of suspension and fixation, and minimal morbidity at the donor site. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:368–375, 2010.     

Der anterolaterale Oberschenkellappen

The anterolateral thigh flap (ATL) has become a standard procedure in reconstructive microsurgery. In this study the results with the ALT for reconstruction in the head and neck area after tumor resection in 33?patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patients included 28 men and 5 women aged 47?C70 years who suffered from intraoral and extraoral tumors. Satisfactory soft tissue coverage could be achieved in all patients and no flaps were lost. The ALT is a versatile free flap enabling reliable soft tissue reconstruction of complex defects in the head and neck region. Flap dissection and preparation of the recipient area can usually be performed simultaneously. Additional advantages include the long and strong caliber vascular pedicle, the low donor site morbidity and the different possibilities of tissue composition, making the ALT a workhorse flap in modern reconstructive microsurgery.