Bilateral anterolateral thigh flaps for large-volume breast reconstruction.
Autologous tissue reconstruction of a large breast in patients who are not candidates for a TRAM flap is a difficult problem. We present a case report of the use of bilateral free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps for immediate reconstruction of a unilateral large breast in a patient who had a previous abdominoplasty. Use of ALT flaps allows two or three surgical teams to work simultaneously, does not require intraoperative patient repositioning, has minimal donor-site morbidity, and can provide ample malleable soft tissue for breast reconstruction. These are advantages compared to the use of gluteal donor sites. The disadvantages include more conspicuous donor-site scarring on the anterior thighs.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Jason J
JJ
Rosenberg
Rajiv
R
Chandawarkar
Merrick I
MI
Ross
Pierre M
PM
Chevray
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000628:therapy; D018275:Carcinoma, Lobular / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*