Free deepithelialized anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flaps for chronic intractable empyema with bronchopleural fistula.
BACKGROUND
Free deepithelialized anterolateral thigh (DALT) flaps have been used for treatment of chronic intractable empyema with bronchopleural fistula at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital since 1997.


METHODS
Twelve patients with chronic empyema were treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 1997 to January 2001. Their age ranged from 31 to 70 years (mean age 48.6 years). Left-sided involvement was predominant (left to right ratio = 9:3). All patients had bronchopleural fistula, and all were cured. The average numbers of previous thoracotomy were 5.4. The ipsilateral DALT flaps were harvested with primary closure of donor site.


RESULTS
At a mean follow-up of 1 year, no recurrence was noted. All flaps survived well. The average hospital stay was 25.8 days. Complications after reconstruction included chrondritis, partial muscle necrosis, and wound dehiscence (1 patient each). There was no donor site morbidity.


CONCLUSIONS
Free DALT flaps can be selected according to different situations during surgery as long as they meet the following requirements: (1) tissue of sufficient volume and good blood supply, and (2) closure of the bronchial leak. Based on this retrospective study, use of free DALT flaps with technical refinement is a reliable method for treatment of chronic intractable empyema combined with bronchopleural fistula.
Tsai
Feng-chou
FC
Department of Plastic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Chen
Hung-chi
HC
Chen
Samuel Huan-tang
SH
Coessens
Bruno
B
Liu
Hui-ping
HP
Wu
Yi-cheng
YC
Lin
Ping-chang
PC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000601:surgery*; D005402:Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013848:Thigh