Microvascular Transfer of Anterolateral Thigh Flaps for Reconstruction of Head and Neck Defects



Microvascular Transfer of Anterolateral Thigh Flaps for Reconstruction of Head and Neck Defects


R. S. ALI

F.-C. WEI





The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap was first described as a free cutaneous flap from the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, based on a septocutaneous perforator. In fact, the majority of ALT flaps are based on musculocutaneous perforators. As surgical techniques to dissect musculocutaneous perforators have developed, the ALT flap has been at the forefront of the “perforator flaps.” Rapid assimilation of the ALT flap into multidisciplinary head and neck practices attests to its versatility, based on characteristics such as: (a) a large cutaneous surface area; (b) multiplicity of tissue components that can be included in the flap (skin, fat, fascia, muscle, nerve, tendon); (c) freedom with which the tissue components can be separated on individual musculocutaneous perforators or septocutaneous vessels; (d) a long, wide-caliber pedicle; and (e) minimal donor morbidity.


Jun 26, 2016 | Posted by in General Surgery | Comments Off on Microvascular Transfer of Anterolateral Thigh Flaps for Reconstruction of Head and Neck Defects

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