Fold anterolateral thigh flap in through-and-through cheek defect reconstruction following oral cancer ablation

Abstract

Objective To investigate the outcome of fold anterolateral thigh flap in through-and-through defect reconstruction following oral cancer ablation. Methods From January, 2011 to December, 2013, 23 patients were performed through-and-through defect reconstruction following oral cancer ablation with free fold anteorlateral thigh flap including 15 cases of buccal mucosa carcinoma, 2 cases of basal cell carcinoma of buccal skin, 4 cases of gingiva carcinoma, 1 case of recurrent parotid duct carcinoma and 1 case of buccal rhabdomyosarcoma. The defects ranged from 3.5 cm × 7.0 cm~7.0 cm × 12.0 cm and the flaps ranged from 4.0 cm × 12.0 cm-8.0 cm × 20.0 cm in size, and were adjusted to the through-and-through defect of the buccal area. The outcome of reconstruction was evaluated by considering the facial appearance, the swallowing and the speech function, the ranges of mouth opening and patient prognosis. Results All of the 23 cases transplanted flaps survived well, the donor sites were closed directly, without donor-site morbidity. All patients were satisfactory with their facial appearance, occlusion and swallowing and speech function. Fifteen patients performed post-operative radiotherapy. The follow-up period was 8-45 months(average 22 months), 5 patients performed salvage surgery for tumor recurrence and 2 patients died of re-recurrence, 1 patient survival with disease and all other patients were alive without disease. Conclusion The fold anterolateral thigh flap is large and suitable and reliable for the through-and-through defect reconstruction following oral cancer ablation. Key words: Oral cancer; Through-and-through defect; Anterolateral thigh flap; Transplantation