Seng-Feng Jeng

Free anterolateral thigh flap for extremity reconstruction: clinical experience and functional assessment of donor site

From August of 1995 through July of 1998, 38 free anterolateral thigh flaps were transferred to reconstruct soft‐tissue defects. The overall success rate was 97 percent. Among 38 anterolateral thigh flaps, four were elevated as cutaneous flaps based on the septocutaneous perforators. The other 34 were harvested as myocutaneous flaps including a cuff of vastus lateralis muscle (15 to 40 cm3), either because of bulk requirements (33 cases) or because of the absence of a septocutaneous perforator (one case). However, vastus lateralis muscle is the largest compartment of the quadriceps, which is the prime extensor of the knee. Losing a portion of the vastus lateralis muscle may affect knee stability. Objective functional assessments of the donor sites were performed at least 6 months postoperatively in 20 patients who had a cuff of vastus lateralis muscle incorporated as part of the myocutaneous flap; assessments were made using a kinetic communicator machine. The isometric power test of the ratios of quadriceps muscle at 30 and 60 degrees of flexion between donor and normal thighs revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05). The isokinetic peak torque ratio of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, including concentric and eccentric contraction tests, showed no significant difference (p > 0.05), except the concentric contraction test of the quadriceps muscle, which revealed mild weakness of the donor thigh (p < 0.05). In summary, the functional impairment of the donor thighs was minimal after free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap transfer. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 107: 1766, 2001.)

Technique and strategy in anterolateral thigh perforator flap surgery, based on an analysis of 15 complete and partial failures in 439 cases.

&NA; The free anterolateral thigh flap is becoming one of the most preferred options for soft‐tissue defect reconstruction. Between June of 1996 and August of 2000, 672 anterolateral thigh flaps were used in 660 patients in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. A total of 439 flaps were cutaneous or fasciocutaneous flaps based on musculocutaneous perforators. The analysis of the flap failures was done only in this perforator series. In six cases, no suitable skin vessel was found during the dissection of the flaps. The complete success rate was 96.58 percent (424 of 439). Of the 15 failure cases, eight were complete and seven were partial (10 percent to 60 percent of the flap). Thirty‐four flaps were reexplored, and 19 (56 percent) were salvaged. In this study, some of the reasons for the flap failure, unique to the anterolateral thigh perforator flap, were identified. They include inadvertent division of perforator at the fascial plane as a result of inadequate knowledge of perforator anatomy, inadvertent injury to the perforator during intramuscular dissection (noted by the surgeon or ignored) as a result of inexperience, and twisting of the pedicle during inset of the flap at the recipient site. Technical pearls in the harvest of the anterolateral thigh perforator flap are as follows: mapping of the skin vessels with a Doppler probe before flap design, meticulous dissection of the perforator under surgical loupe or even lowermagnification microscope, inclusion of a small fascia cuff around the perforator, and intermittent topical use of Xylocaine during the intramuscular dissection of the perforators. During reexploration, one must search for twisting of the pedicle and small bleeders from the branches of the intramuscular perforators. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 109: 2211, 2002.)

Versatility of the free anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects: review of 140 cases.

From August 1995 to June 1999, 140 free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were transferred to reconstruct a variety of soft-tissue defects. The size of ALT flap ranged from 10 to 33 cm in length and 4 to 14 cm in width. Based on the anatomic variations of the perforators, the blood supply to the skin island came from the septocutaneous perforators only in 19 patients (13.6%), arising from the descending or transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA), or originating directly from LCFA. The other flaps were supplied by musculocutaneous perforators that were elevated as a true perforator flap via intramuscular dissection (N = 34, 24.3%), or used a cuff of vastus lateralis muscle for added bulk (N = 87, 62.1%). The overall success rate was 92% (129 of 140). After a 2-year follow-up, all flaps have healed uneventfully and donor thigh morbidity is minimal. Anatomic variations must be considered if the ALT flap is to be used safely and reliably.

Total lower lip reconstruction with a composite radial forearm-palmaris longus tendon flap: a clinical series.

Large, full-thickness lip defects after head and neck surgery continue to be a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. The reconstructive aims are to restore the oral lining, the external cheek, oral competence, and function (i.e., articulation, speech, and mastication). The authors’ refinement of the composite radial forearm-palmaris longus free flap technique meets these criteria and allows a functional reconstruction of extensive lip and cheek defects in one stage. A composite radial forearm flap including the palmaris longus tendon was designed. The skin flap for the reconstruction of the intraoral lining and the skin defect was folded over the palmaris longus tendon. Both ends of the vascularized tendon were laid through the bilateral modiolus and anchored with adequate tension to the intact orbicularis muscle of the upper lip. This procedure was used in 12 patients. Six patients had cancer of the lower lip, five patients had a buccal cancer involving the lip, and one patient had a primary gum cancer that extended to the lower lip. Total to near-total resection (more than 80 percent) of the lower lip was indicated in six patients. In two other patients, the cancer ablation included more than 80 percent of the lower lip and up to 40 percent of the upper lip. A radial forearm palmaris longus free flap was used in all cases for reconstruction of the defect. Free flap survival was 100 percent. At the time of final evaluation, which was 1 year after the operation, all patients had good oral continence at rest (static suspension) and had achieved sufficient oral competence when eating. Ten patients were able to resume a regular diet, and two patients could eat a soft diet. All patients regained normal or near-normal speech and had an acceptable appearance. The described refinement of the composite radial palmaris longus free flap technique allows the reconstruction of the lower lip with a functioning oral sphincter; the technique can be recommended for patients who need large lower lip resection. It provides functional recovery of the reconstructed lower lip synchronizing with the remaining upper lip.

One-stage reconstruction of soft tissue and Achilles tendon defects using a composite free anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata: Clinical experience and functional assessment

The combined loss of the Achilles tendon with overlying soft tissue is a reconstructive challenge. To achieve acceptable rehabilitation, such patients need skin coverage including functional repair of the Achilles tendon. This article presents four such patients who were treated successfully by means of an anterolateral thigh (ALT) composite flap with vascularized fascia lata. The size of the ALT flaps ranged from 10 to 16 cm in length and 6 to 9 cm in width. All flaps included vascularized fascia lata, which was rolled to serve as vascularized tendon graft (range 8 × 6 cm to 10 × 8 cm) for reconstruction of the Achilles tendon defect. Flap success rate was 100%. All patients could walk and climb stairs without support; however, mild difficulty when running was reported. Functional outcome of the recipient ankle and donor thigh morbidity were investigated by using a kinetic dynamometer comparing reconstructed sides with the healthy contralateral limbs. This assessment was performed in two patients at 2 years postoperatively. In the reconstructed ankles, isokinetic concentric measurements of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion showed a deficit of 30% and 40%, respectively. Functional evaluation of quadriceps femoris muscle contraction forces after free ALT composite flap harvest showed a 10% to 25% deficit. However, there were no difficulties in daily ambulating. In summary, the free composite ALT flap with vascularized fascia lata provides an alternative option for Achilles tendon reconstruction in complex defects.

One-Stage Reconstruction of Large Midline Abdominal Wall Defects Using a Composite Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap With Vascularized Fascia Lata

Objective:Large midline abdominal wall defects are continuously a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Adequate skin coverage and fascia repair of the abdominal wall is necessary for achieving acceptable results. The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach to abdominal wall reconstruction using a free vascularized composite anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with fascia lata. Methods:Seven patients with large full-thickness abdominal wall defects were successfully reconstructed by means of a composite ALT flap combined with vascularized fascia lata. The size of the skin islands ranged from 20 to 32 cm in length and 10 to 22 cm in width, and the vascularized fascia lata sheath measured 14 to 28 cm and 8 to 18 cm, respectively. Functional outcome of the abdominal wall strength and donor thigh morbidity were investigated by using a Cybex kinetic dynamometer. Results:All flaps survived. No postoperative ventral hernia occurred except for one mild inguinal incision hernia. Subjectively there were no significant donor site problems. Objective assessment was performed in 4 patients 2 years postoperatively. In the reconstructed abdomen, isokinetic concentric and eccentric measurements of extension/flexion ratios of the abdominal wall strength showed no apparent decrease compared with other references. Functional evaluation of quadriceps femoris muscle contraction forces after free ALT composite flap harvest showed an averaged deficit of 30% as compared with the contralateral legs. However, no difficulties in daily ambulating were reported by the patients. Conclusion:The free composite ALT myocutaneous flap with vascularized fascia lata provides an alternative option for a stable repair in complex abdominal wall defects.

Reconstruction of Concomitant Lip and Cheek Through-and-through Defects with Combined Free Flap and an Advancement Flap from the Remaining Lip

Massive facial defects involving the oral sphincter are challenging to the reconstructive surgeon. This study presents the authors’ approach to simultaneous reconstruction of complex defects with an advancement flap from the remaining lip and free flaps. From January of 1997 to December of 2001, 22 patients were studied following ablative oral cancer surgery. Their ages ranged from 32 to 66 years. Nineteen patients had buccal cancer, two patients had tongue cancer, and one patient had lip cancer. In all cases, the disease was advanced squamous cell carcinoma. Nine patients underwent composite resection of tumor with segmental mandibulectomy, and seven patients underwent marginal mandibulectomy. Cheek defects ranged from 15 × 12 cm to 4 × 3 cm, and intraoral defects ranged from 14 × 8 cm to 5 × 4 cm in size. One third of the lower lip was excised in nine patients, both the upper and lower lips were excised in 10 patients, and only commissure defects were excised in three patients. An advancement flap from the remaining upper lip was used for reconstruction of the oral commissure and oral sphincter. Then, the composite through-and-through defect of the cheek was reconstructed with radial forearm flaps in 13 patients, fibula osteocutaneous flaps in five patients, double flaps in three patients, and an anterolateral thigh flap in one patient. The free flap survival rate was 96 percent, and only one flap failed. With regard to complications, there were two patients with cheek hematoma, six patients with orocutaneous fistula or neck infection, and one patient with osteomyelitis of the mandible. All but one patient had adequate oral competence. All patients had an adequate oral stoma and could eat a regular or soft diet; two patients could eat only a liquid diet. For moderate lip defects, immediate reconstruction of complex defects took place using an advancement flap from the remaining lip to obtain a normal and functional oral sphincter; the free flap can be used to reconstruct through-and-through defects. This simple procedure can provide patients with a useful oral stoma and acceptable cosmesis.

Salvage of the distal foot using the distally based sural island flap.

The authors describe their additional experience with the distally based sural island flap for reconstruction of the whole foot, including the forefoot area in 8 patients. The flap is vascularized by the lowermost perforating branches of the peroneal artery. The skin flap can be elevated, based on the lesser saphenous vein and its accompanying arteries, in all parts of the sural region. This modification allows a farther reach of the flap for coverage of the distal foot and sole. All flaps, innervated by the lateral sural cutaneous nerves, were able to provide protective sensation in the distal soles. In 7 patients the flaps survived completely, and only 1 patient had partial necrosis of the flap. The advantage of this flap is its constant and reliable blood supply without sacrifice of the major artery. Elevation of the flap is simple and rapid. This flap is a versatile alternative that should be considered prior to a free flap transfer.

Free anterolateral thigh adipofascial perforator flap.

The anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap is a vascularized flap prepared from the adipofascial layer of the anterolateral thigh region. It is a perforator flap based on septocutaneous or musculocutaneous perforators of the lateral circumflex femoral system. With methods similar to those used for the free anterolateral thigh flap, only the deep fascia of the anterolateral thigh and a 2-mm-thick to 3-mm-thick layer of subcutaneous fatty tissue above the fascia were harvested. In 11 cases, this flap (length, 5 to 11 cm; width, 4 to 8 cm) was used for successful reconstruction of extremity defects. Split-thickness skin grafts were used to immediately resurface the adipofascial flaps for eight patients, and delayed skin grafting was performed for the other three patients. The advantage of the anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap is its ability to provide vascularized, thin, pliable, gliding coverage. In addition, the donor-site defect can be closed directly. Other advantages of this flap, such as safe elevation, a long wide vascular pedicle, a large flap territory, and flow-through properties that allow simultaneous reconstruction of major-vessel and soft-tissue defects, are the same as for the conventional anterolateral thigh flap. The main disadvantage of this procedure is the need for a skin graft, with the possible complications of subsequent skin graft loss or hyperpigmentation.

Primary closure of radial forearm flap donor defects with a bilobed flap based on the fasciocutaneous perforator of the ulnar artery.

To primarily repair a series of radial forearm flap donor defects, a total of 10 bilobed flaps based on the fasciocutaneous perforator of the ulnar artery were designed at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Kaohsiung in the period from January of 2002 to January of 2003. All patients were male, with ages ranging from 36 to 67 years. The forearm donor defects ranged in size from 5 × 6 cm to 8 × 8 cm, with the average defect being 47 cm2. One to three sizable perforators from the ulnar artery were consistently observed in the distal forearm and were most frequently located 8 cm proximal to the pisiform, which could be used as a pivot point for the bilobed flap. The bilobed flap consisted of two lobes, one large lobe and one small lobe. With elevation and rotation of the bilobed flap, the large lobe of the flap was used to repair the radial forearm donor defect and the small lobe was used to close the resultant defect from the large lobe. All bilobed flaps survived completely, without major complications, and no skin grafting was necessary. Compared with conventional methods for reconstruction of radial forearm donor defects, such as split-thickness skin grafting, the major advantage of this technique is its ability to reconstruct the donor defect with adjacent tissue in a one-stage operation. Forearm donor-site morbidity can be minimized with earlier hand motion, and better cosmetic results can be obtained. Furthermore, because a skin graft is not used, no additional donor area is necessary. However, this flap is suitable for closure of only small or medium-size donor defects. A lengthy postoperative scar is its major disadvantage.