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Aesthetic and functional advantages of the anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of tumor‐related scalp defects
Author(s) -
Lutz Barbara S.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.10047
Subject(s) - medicine , fascia lata , surgery , scalp , thigh , contouring , free flap , fascia , microsurgery , deep fascia , engineering , engineering drawing
Abstract 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. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.MICROSURGERY 22:258–264 2002