title: Anterolateral thigh free flap for "head-to-toe" reconstruction.
abstract: Since its conception the anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap has become a cornerstone in the reconstruction of complex head and neck defects. It has quickly gained further uses because of its variability in size, malleability, 2-team approach to the operation, and low-morbidity donor site. The ALT lends itself well to reconstructing complex defects throughout the body, from the lower extremities up to the head and neck, and a variety of indications, from oncologic defects to burns and traumatic injuries. Twenty patients (18 male, 2 female; average age 57.74 years [range, 17-86 years]) had ALT free-flap harvest for scalp defects (5), trunk defects (1), head and neck defects (11), lower extremity defects (3). Sixteen patients had oncologic-related defects, 2 from traumatic injuries, and 2 from burn-related injuries. The average flap area was 157 cm, the average number venous anastomoses was 1.47, and the average vein diameter was 2.65 mm (range, 1.5-3.5 mm). The objective of this article is to review our institutional review board-approved case series at the University of Florida and further elucidate the widespread adaptability of the ALT flap. We share our experience in indications for use, recipient-site variables, donor-site management, complications, and outcomes. We also review other applications of this useful flap described in the literature.
authors: Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. hnasaj@hotmail.com
authors: Hossein
authors: H
authors: Nasajpour
authors: Matthew H
authors: MH
authors: Steele
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002056:Burns / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006085:Graft Survival; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation*; D018579:Patient Selection; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013848:Thigh / Q000601:surgery; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult