J Reconstr Microsurg 2015; 31(08): 571-578
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1555138
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Use of Flow-Through Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flaps in Reconstruction of Complex Extremity Defects

Liming Qing
1   Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
,
Pangfeng Wu
1   Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
,
Jieyu Liang
1   Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
,
Fang Yu
1   Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
,
Congyang Wang
1   Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
,
Juyu Tang
1   Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

25 November 2014

25 April 2015

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Background The flow-through flap has been widely utilized for reconstruction of complex defects of the extremities as it can be used for arterial reconstruction and soft-tissue coverage simultaneously. This study describes our clinical experience with the application of the flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap for reconstruction of complex defects of the extremities.

Methods From January 2008 to June 2011, we retrospectively analyzed 16 patients with complex defects in the limbs. In two patients the defects occurred after undergoing wide excision of chronic ulcer, while 14 defects were due to trauma. All patients in this series underwent reconstruction with the flow-through ALTP flap. Applications of flow-through performed include preserving the recipient artery flow, rebuilding the major artery gap, bridging the artery and concomitant vein simultaneously, and combining the ALTP with another free flap.

Results Flow-through ALTP flaps were used to preserve recipient flow (n = 5), rebuild the vessel gap (n = 2), bridge the artery and concomitant vein simultaneously (n = 2), and in combination with another free flap (n = 7). Follow-up ranged from 3 to 36 months (mean, 12 months). All flaps were successful; only two combination flaps required reexploration because of vessel crisis, and two patients suffered minor degrees of wound-edge necrosis. The donor sites healed well in all cases, without any complications.

Conclusion Our experience showed that the flow-through ALTP flap is reliable and suitable for reconstruction of complex defects of the extremities, as well as for various other clinical purposes.