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Clinical applications of the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction
Author(s) -
Lin ChinTa,
Wang ChihHsing,
Ou KuangWen,
Chang ShunCheng,
Dai NiannTzyy,
Chen ShyiGen,
Chen TimMo,
Tzeng YuanSheng
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/ans.12973
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , groin , thigh , soft tissue , abdomen , trochanter , skin grafting , osteoporosis , bone mineral , endocrinology
Background Reconstruction of extensive defects of the lower abdomen, penoscrotum, trochanter, groin and knee without using complex microsurgery is a reconstructive challenge. Pedicled anterolateral thigh ( ALT ) flaps offer many advantages over other regional flaps for this purpose, such as the large skin area and soft‐tissue availability, a remarkable pedicle length, and possessing multiple components and reliability. We present our experience of using pedicled ALT flaps for repairing various defects. Methods From S eptember 2006 to D ecember 2013, 42 pedicled ALT flaps were used in 41 patients for defects of the lower abdomen (three patients), trochanter (26 patients), penoscrotum (10 patients), groin (one patient) and knee (one patient). Twenty‐eight were men and 13 were women, and their mean age was 70.5 years (range, 22–103 years). The characteristics of the patients' age, sex, cause, flap size, flap component, follow‐up and donor sites were recorded. Results The flap size ranged from 8 × 5 cm (40 cm 2 ) to 11 × 18 cm (198 cm 2 ). The length of the pedicle ranged from 9 to 16 cm, which was enough to reach the defect without tension. No surgery‐related mortality occurred. In 34 flaps, donor sites were closed primarily and eight underwent split‐skin grafting. Satisfactory coverage was achieved in all patients. Conclusion Our experience has shown the wide arc of rotation, large skin replacement potential, multiple components and reliability of pedicled ALT flaps. They are technically simple to apply as myocutaneous/fasciocutaneous flaps with minimal donor site morbidity.