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Semin Plast Surg 2006; 20(2): 064-072
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-941712
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flaps in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Arik Zaretski1 , Fu-Chan Wei1 , Chih-Hung Lin1 , Ming-Huei Cheng1 , Chung-Kan Tsao1 , Christopher Glenn Wallace1
  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University and Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 May 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Microsurgical free tissue transfer has revolutionized head and neck reconstruction. It allows functions and esthetics to be preserved without compromising the principles of oncologic surgery. To this end, the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has recently gained increasing popularity. This article reviews the advantages of the ALT flap, its anatomy, and various methods of its elevation. We have successfully utilized the ALT flap for reconstructing a wide range of complex head and neck defects; a selection of our methods are outlined herein. Additionally, various configurations of the ALT flap, including the elevation of two independent cutaneous flaps from the same pedical, chimeric, and flow-through flaps, are described. The unique anatomy of the thigh allows unparalleled flexibility in flap design, useful for reconstructing defects of the tongue, buccal region, mandible, midface, scalp, and through-and-through defects of the cheek. Resultant donor site morbidity is low in comparison to other flaps that are commonly utilized for head and neck reconstruction.

KEYWORDS

Anterolateral thigh flap - perforator flaps - head and neck reconstruction

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