[Anterolateral thigh flaps for reconstruction of traumatological and oncological defects].
BACKGROUND
The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) has become one of the most preferred options for soft tissue defect reconstruction in Asia with an increasing popularity in Europe. The article presents the authors' experience using the ALT flap for various indications in the upper and lower extremities.


METHODS
Between January 2005 and March 2007, 60 free ALT flaps were operated for reconstruction of various soft tissue defects. The causes of soft tissue defects included trauma (13), infection (26), and sarcoma resection (21). We operated on 39 male and 19 female patients with an average age of 50.9 years (range: 16-84 years).


RESULTS
The flap survival rate was 95.0% percent (57 of 60 flaps); 5% of the flaps died. The donor site was closed primarily in all cases. Donor site complications were minimal. The average operative time was 282 min (69-544 min). Flap-related major complications occurred in 35.0% of patients including reexploration of the anastomoses and partial flap necrosis. Minor complications, e.g., wound infection, hematoma, and swelling were seen in 23 cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience indicates that the free ALT flap is a reliable method for soft tissue defect reconstruction. The use of the ALT offers many advantages such as a long and large caliber vascular pedicle, a large skin island as well as minimal donor site morbidity. The surgery can simultaneously performed by two teams with the patient in a supine position.
Langer
S
S
Klinik für Plastische Chirurgie und Schwerbrandverletzte, Handchirurgiezentrum, Operatives Referenzzentrum für Extremitätentumore, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany. stefan.langer@rub.de
Steinsträsser
L
L
Lehnhardt
M
M
Strack
N
N
Steinau
H U
HU
Daigeler
A
A
Homann
H H
HH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001132:Arm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*