Relaying anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap in resurfacing of the donor defect after anteromedial thigh (AMT) perforator flap transfer

Abstract

Objective To introduce the clinical experience of relaying anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in the resurfacing of the donor defect after anteromedial thigh (AMT) flap transfer. Methods From February 2014 to December 2015, 16 cases with oral carcinoma underwent radical resection, leaving tongue or mouth floor defects which were reconstructed by AMT perforator flaps. The flap size ranged from 7.5 cm×4.5 cm to 13.0 cm×7.5 cm [the patients was 45.6 years (range 31-72 years), body mass index (BMI) range 17.5-24.3 kg/m2]. Flaps' width was on average 6.6 cm (ranging from 5 to 9 cm) with flap width-to-thigh circumference ratio being 12.5% on average (ranging from 9.8% to 15.7%). The flap donor sites were reconstructed with relaying ALT flap at the same stage, the flap size ranged from 7.5 cm×4.0 cm to 12.0 cm×7.0 cm. Results The AMT and ALT perforators existed consistently in all cases of this serie. All free AMT flaps and relaying ALT flaps survived uneventfully. All patients were followed up for 8-24 months with satisfied esthetic and functional results in recipient and donor sites. 2-point discrimination distance of AMT flaps ranged from 7 to 14 mm, 2-point discrimination distance of relaying ALT flaps ranged from 8 to 15 mm, the function of thighs were not affected. Conclusions The relaying ALT flap is an ideal choice to reconstruct the donor site of free AMT flap. Key words: Surgical flaps; Thigh/SU; Cheek/SU; Skin transplantation