title: Reconstruction of complex thoraco-abdominal defects with extended anterolateral thigh flap.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The reconstruction of complex thoraco-abdominal defects following tumour ablative procedures has evolved over the years from the use of pedicle flaps to free flaps. The free extended anterolateral thigh flap is a good choice to cover large defects in one stage.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 2004 to 2009, five patients with complex defects of the thoracic and abdominal wall following tumour ablation were reconstructed in one stage and were studied. The commonest tumour was chondrosarcoma. The skeletal component was reconstructed with methylmethacrylate bone cement and polypropylene mesh and the soft tissue with free extended anterolateral thigh flap. The flaps were anastomosed with internal mammary vessels. The donor sites of the flaps were covered with split-skin graft.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the flaps survived well. One flap required re-exploration for venous congestion and was successfully salvaged. Two flaps had post operative wound infection and were managed conservatively. All flap donor sites developed hyper-pigmentation, contour deformity and cobble stone appearance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Single-stage reconstruction of the complex defects of the thoraco-abdominal region is feasible with extended anterolateral thigh flap and can be adopted as the first procedure of choice.
authors.affiliation: Plastic & Reconstructive Services, Department of Surgical Oncology, TATA Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Prabha S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Yadav
authors.forename: Quazi G
authors.initials: QG
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: Vinay Kant
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Shankhdhar
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Nambi
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Pramesh