[Free anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of head and neck defects].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap in which the donor site is less noticeable and the morbidity is minimal for the reconstruction of head and neck defect.


METHODS
A retrospective review was performed of 8 ALT flaps reconstructions for head and neck tumor ablation defects between Dec. 2003 and May 2005. Recipient sites were subdivided into pharyngeal wall (n = 3), oral tongue (n = 2), buccal mucosa (n = 1), base of tongue (n = 1) and skull base (n = 1). The operative technique of ALT flap was described.


RESULTS
All 8 free flaps survived. No complication was observed in the donor site, like wound dehiscence, weakness of the legs. The anatomy of the perforators were recognized as musculocutaneous pattern in all 8 cases. The size of the flap ranged from (4 to approximately 8) cm x (5 to approximately 10) cm. The average time of operation was 7 hours with a range of 5 to 10 hours. The average time cost for ATL flap harvest was 80 minutes with a range of 65 to 115 minutes.


CONCLUSIONS
Free ALT flap is a reliable reconstruction technique for head and neck surgical defects. Because of the minimum donor site morbidity and the concealed site, this flap is the ideal choice for reconstruction of head and neck surgical defects.
Zhang
Bin
B
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China. docbinzhang@hotmail.com
Li
De-zhi
DZ
Xu
Zhen-gang
ZG
Tang
Ping-zhang
PZ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013848:Thigh / Q000601:surgery