title: [Reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects using free anterolateral thigh flaps in patients with malignant tumors].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the value of free anterolateral thigh flaps in the reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects following radical resection of malignant tumors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-six cases of oral and maxillofacial malignant tumor from December 2007 to June 2009, including 32 tongue carcinomas, 16 buccal carcinomas, 10 carcinomas of floor of mouth, 9 gingival carcinomas, 8 oropharyngeal carcinomas and 1 skin carcinoma, underwent radical resection. Free anterolateral thigh flaps were used to reconstruct the defects. The postoperative effect and flap success rate were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 76 cases, 74 flaps survived completely with satisfied configuration, only 2 flaps had complete necrosis. The survival rate was 97.3%. No complications were observed in the donor site.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The free anterolateral thigh flap is an ideal choice for reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects, as it has many advantages such as reliable blood supply, large size available, and little donor site morbidity.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China. geofffly2005@yahoo.com.cn
authors: Feng
authors: F
authors: Guo
authors: An-jie
authors: AJ
authors: Min
authors: Can-hua
authors: CH
authors: Jiang
authors: Xin-chun
authors: XC
authors: Jian
authors: Xin-qun
authors: XQ
authors: Chen
authors: Tong
authors: T
authors: Su
authors: Zhan-gui
authors: ZG
authors: Tang
mesh_terms: D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013848:Thigh; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms