Anterolateral Thigh Flap For Reconstruction Research Articles

Flow-through anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction in electrical burns of the severely damaged upper extremity

BackgroundMany surgeons have to face the challenge of the sophisticated management of catastrophic high-voltage injuries to upper extremities. These patients present with both vast soft tissue defects and varied segmental main artery defects with compromised circulation of the distal limb. This study is a first attempt to analyze the outcome of the flow-through anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction in acute electrical burns of the severely traumatized upper extremity. Method and patientFrom March 2001 to February 2012, five men were enrolled in the study. All in this series suffered from high voltage current (higher than 1000V) electrical burn and had the presence of wide segmental soft tissue defects, exposure of underlying vital structures and segmental artery injury with compromised circulation. Flow-through anterolateral thigh flaps were used for limb salvage. ResultFollow up for all patients was present from 6 months to 7 years. The mean age was 37.8 years old. The mean timing of free flap transfer was 5.8 days after injury. The mean flap sizes were 31.6cm×16.5cm. The mean artery defect was 14.2cm in length. Venous thrombosis occurred 1 day post-operatively in one patient. No donor site morbidity was noted. In the postoperative period, no infection, no hematoma, nor deaths were noted. Successful limb salvage rate was 80% in this series. ConclusionIn electrical injuries of the severely damaged upper extremity, flow through anterolateral thigh flaps provide for reconstruction of both the vessels and soft tissue simultaneously. Although the risk of flap failure is higher than with other etiologies of burn, the data shows that the above reconstruction technique is useful for upper extremity salvage.

Compartment syndrome at the fibula flap's donor site and salvage by anerolateral thigh chimeric flap

We report a challenging case of chimeric anterolateralthigh flap reconstruction to cover peroneus longus andcalcaneal tendons exposure as a consequence of a donorsite compartment syndrome after fibula flap harvesting.A 61-year-old patient was referred to the Maxillo-Fa-cial Unit for a squamous cell carcinoma (T4-N3-M0) ofthe buccal mucosa involving the inferior premolar alveo-lar ridge. The patient underwent right emi-mandibulec-tomy, tumor en-bloc excision, and bilateral radical neckdissection. An immediate reconstruction was performedwith a free osteocutaneous fibula flap with two differentskin paddles. The first one was used to reconstruct theskin defect and the second one to reconstruct the mucosaldefect. The donor site was closed by direct suture undertension. A suction drain was positioned.The initial postoperative period was uneventful. Onthe fifth postoperative day, the negative-pressure drainagewas pulled out. A week after surgery, the donor site wasedematous and dark brown fluid flowed from the wound.Only mild pain occurred with active or passive movementof the toes. During the second week after surgery, theswelling and dark fluid secretion from the donor sitebecame more obvious. A necrotic area appeared in thecontext of donor site closure; this area rapidly increasedits dimensions in a few days. The only clinical symptomstill was a mild pain. Two weeks from surgery, the clini-cal diagnosis was compartment syndrome, due to exces-sive tension.This compartment syndrome led to a large loss ofskin and muscles of the lateral compartment of the legwith peroneus longus tendon and part of calcaneal tendonexposure (Fig. 1), then the patient was referred to ourPlastic Surgery Unit in order to plan a repair.After a surgical debridement, a two week of VacuumAssisted Closure

Comparison of pedicled and free anterolateral thigh flaps for reconstruction of complex defects of the abdominal wall: Review of 20 consecutive cases

The reconstruction of large, complex defects of the abdominal wall after the ablation of malignant tumours can be challenging. The transfer of an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is an attractive option. This study compared free ALT flaps and pedicled ALT flaps for abdominal wall reconstruction. From 1996 through 2011, 20 patients underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with ALT flaps. The flaps were pedicled in 12 patients and free in eight patients. Medical records were reviewed for complications and clinical and demographic data. Abdominal wall defects were classified into the following four groups: upper midline, lower midline, upper quadrants and lower quadrants. Pedicled flaps were transferred to the upper midline region in one patient, the lower midline region in six patients and lower quadrants in five patients. Free flaps were transferred to the lower midline region in two patients, upper quadrants in four patients and lower quadrants in two patients. Mean reconstructive time was significantly longer with free flaps (6 h 32 min) than with pedicled flaps (4 h 55 min, p = 0.035). Although free flaps (mean size, 360 cm(2)) were larger than pedicled flaps (mean size, 289 cm(2)), the difference was not significant (p = 0.218). The rates of complications did not differ between free flaps and pedicled flaps. No total flap loss occurred, and there was partial loss of only a single pedicled flap, which was the flap furthest from the pivot point. Infections developed of two pedicled flaps and three free flaps. This study suggests that complication rates do not differ between free and pedicled ALT flaps. The choice of flap depends on the size and location of the defect and the length of the vascular pedicle.

Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Reconstruction of Complex Craniofacial Defects After Resection of Tumors of the Fronto-Orbitomaxillary Complex

Tumors of the fronto-orbitomaxillary segment are complex and pose a significant challenge for radical resection and subsequent reconstruction. With evolution in surgical reconstructive techniques, better reconstruction of these complex defects is now possible and facilitates more aggressive surgical management. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has features particularly suited for this reconstruction. We review our single institutional experience with this technique. Sixteen consecutive patients with defects of the fronto-orbitomaxillary segment (from radical resection of craniofacial tumors of this region) were reconstructed using the free ALT flap. The demographic features, radiology, histology, and surgical technique as well as the perioperative events were reviewed retrospectively from a prospective database of all craniofacial resections performed. There were 9 males and 7 females with a mean age of 35 years. Eleven had previously undergone surgery. Dura was resected in 6 and inadvertently breached in another 2. Gross total resection was achieved in 14 (87.5%) of the 16 patients, of which 8 had microscopically negative margins. Thirteen musculocutaneous flaps and 3 chimeric flaps were performed. The mean duration of surgery was 9.4 hours. The average total blood loss was 2000 mL. There was no perioperative mortality. Major complications occurred in 2 patients in the form of venous thrombosis on the next day of surgery. These were detected and salvaged promptly by urgent re-exploration and redo of venous anastomosis, ultimately requiring skin grafting for partial flap loss. In our experience, the free ALT flap is a suitable reconstructive choice for complex craniofacial defects and has favorable results.

A systematic review of anterolateral thigh flap donor site morbidity

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is widely used in reconstruction. Its advantage over other flaps is its purported minimal donor site morbidity. The present systematic review summarizes the types of complications and their incidence with this flap. A secondary objective is to delineate factors that influence these complications and make recommendations to avoid them. Two independent assessors undertook a systematic review of the literature using multiple databases. All patients with ALT flap reconstruction for any defect were included. Donor site complications including lateral thigh paresthesia, musculoskeletal dysfunction, hypertrophic scarring, wound breakdown, infection, donor site pain, seroma, hematoma, compartment syndrome and muscle necrosis were extracted from identified articles and tabulated. Based on the number of pooled events and the number of cases performed, an incidence rate was calculated. Forty-two relevant articles were identified that included 2324 flaps. Of the 2324 flaps, the majority were fasciocutaneous (n=737), and 1303 of the flaps were used in head and neck reconstruction. The incidence of complications were: lateral thigh paresthesia (24.0%); musculoskeletal dysfunction (4.8%); hypertrophic scarring or wound dehiscence (4.8%); donor site pain (3.3%); seroma (2.4%); infection (2.2%); hematoma (0.7%); compartment syndrome (0.09%); and partial muscle necrosis (0.09%). Lateral thigh paresthesia is the most common complication. Severe complications such as compartment syndrome and muscle necrosis can occur, but are rare. Preservation of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh, femoral motor nerve branches and deep fascia decreases the risk of complications. The degree of vastus lateralis disruption did not show a significant impact on musculoskeletal dysfunction.

Free anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of upper aerodigestive tract defects

The free anterolateral thigh flap, described by Song et al. in1984 [1], is a perforator flap harvested from the antero-lateral side of the thigh. This fasciocutaneous flap isvascularized by a branch of the deep femoral artery.Its use is rare in France for upper aerodigestive tractdefect reconstruction, especially because of its thicknessand of anatomical variations in the perforators. It has, how-ever, many advantages over antebrachial fasciocutaneousflaps with radial pedicle, including a resistant fascia andreduced donor site sequelae.We describe the harvesting technique and potential indi-cations.

Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Reconstruction of the Oral Cavity : Anatomic Study and Clinical Application

The anterolateral thigh flap(ALT flap) was originally described in 1984 as a septocutaneous nap based on the descending branch of the lateral circumflex artery. This nap has some significant advantages for reconstruction of the head and neck. It can be raised as a subcutaneous flap, a fasciocutaneous nap, or a myocutaneous nap and can resurface large defects in the head and neck. In addition, it has a large and long vascular pedicle, and because of the distance of the donor site from the head and neck, it can easily be harvested with a two-team approach. However, the number and locations of cutaneous perforators vary individually, and thus, it is not widely used because nap elevation is often complicated and time-consuming owing to unexpected anatomical variations. The purposes of this study are to clarify the vascular anatomy and to assess the suitability of anterolateral thigh nap for oral cavity reconstruction in Koreans. In addition, we used anterolateral thigh free nap for oral cavity reconstruction in 20 oral cancer patients from 2006 to 2011. Through our clinical experience, we discuss a series of practical "pearls and pitfalls". Our experience has not only given us new flap choice using anterolateral thigh nap in oral cavity reconstruction, but also given us a new possibility on the applicability of chimeric naps.

P199. Single perforator based anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of complex oral cavity defects

At long-term follow up we cannot easily differentiate between patients who have undergone free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction in terms of subjective functional limitations of daily activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative outcomes and long-term subjective functional deficit in patients following unilateral free TRAM compared with DIEP flap breast reconstruction.Sixty consecutive patients who underwent unilateral autologous breast reconstruction were included in the study, 30 of whom had undergone a DIEP flap, and 30 a free TRAM flap. Surgical and postoperative outcome data were collected and a postal questionnaire was sent to each patient at least 6 months postoperatively consisting of a short functional assessment questionnaire and a Short Form 36 (SF-36) survey.We found no significant difference in postoperative outcomes or in the subjective ability to perform activities of daily living, including work, domestic activities, sports and hobbies, between patients who underwent TRAM flap breast reconstruction and those who underwent a DIEP flap, and no significant difference between the groups for scores on the physical functioning, role-physical, or bodily pain scales of the SF-36.We conclude that harvesting of the free TRAM flap results in no significant difference in postoperative outcomes or in the subjective ability to perform activities of daily living compared with the DIEP flap.

The Prefabricated Gracilis Muscle Flap With Full-Thickness Skin Graft and Delay for Urethral Channel Reconstruction

Reconstruction of complex urethral defects should provide lasting coverage, a patent tube for voiding, and a natural appearing contour with minimal morbidity to the donor and recipient sites. Many reports have emerged in the literature regarding complex urethral reconstruction through a variety of methods including anterolateral thigh flaps, radial artery forearm free flap, and other simple skin and mucosal flaps. Recently, Ozkan and Ozkan reported using a prefabricated anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of a traumatic urethral defect (Ozkan and Ozkan, J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2009;62:380-384). In this report, we describe our experience with the use of a prefabricated gracilis muscle flap in a female-to-male transsexual with a complex proximal urethral stricture and distal fistula. We believe this is the first report of a prefabricated gracilis myocutaneous muscle flap being used for a long segment urethral stricture and distal fistula. We believe that this procedure offers a unique solution to a difficult problem with decreased morbidity and cosmetic advantages over other methods requiring microvascular anastomoses.

Invited commentary

The authors are to be congratulated on several counts. Firstly a series of over 600 free jejunal flaps indicates extensive experience and the fact that only 5 of these flaps underwent necrosis indicates a high level of expertise. This paper underlines one of the key teaching points in reconstructive microsurgery. If a free flap was indicated as the primary treatment, in many cases, the patient still needs a free flap if the first one fails. The authors also point out another key teaching point. That is that the salvage procedure should be performed as soon as the problem is identified. In this particular situation, the stakes are too high. Pus in the neck can easily and quickly lead to blow out of either the carotid or the jugular so that there is a sense of urgency in dealing with a necrotic flap in the neck. Furthermore, any delay can have an impact on the adjuvant treatment that the patient requires and this can impact ultimate outcome. One of the problems with the jejunum, as the authors point out, is that it is relatively intolerant to ischemia. For this and other reasons, many programs have switched from enteric flaps to tubed skin flaps such as the anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of the pharyngoesophageal defect 1 Clark J.R. Gilbert R. Irish J. et al. Morbidity after flap reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects. Laryngoscope. 2006; 116: 173-181 Crossref PubMed Scopus (105) Google Scholar Regardless of the type of flap used, the message remains the same. Early and definite action is required and a second free flap is the best treatment option for flap failure.

Single perforator based anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of large composite defects of oral cavity

Composite defects of oral cavity are a reconstructive challenge. Anterolateral thigh flap provides large and pliable tissue for reconstruction of these defects. However, wide variations in the vascular anatomy, variable perforator number and location are reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of single perforator based large anterolateral thigh for reconstruction of complex oral cavity defects following ablative surgery. We report a series of 25 consecutive patients who underwent reconstruction of oral cavity defects with anterolateral thigh flap based on single perforator between August 2009 and August 2010. The mean flap dimension was 261cm(2) (range 80-540cm(2)). In 21 patients the flap was bi-paddled and used for inner and outer lining for cheek. None of the flaps developed perforator insufficiency. Two flaps were lost due to delayed neck wound sepsis after 7th post operative day. This study establishes safety and reliability of using a large and/or bi-paddled anterolateral thigh flap based on single perforator for reconstruction of complex oral cavity defects.

Comparison of surgical result of anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of through-and-through cheek defect with/without CT angiography guidance

Objectives Anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) is an useful flap for head and neck reconstruction, but the variable perforators may limit its applications. Our goal was to clarify the benefits of preoperative CT angiography (CTA) in mapping of free ALT perforators for reconstruction of cheek through-and-through defects. Method We retrospectively reviewed 32 patients undergoing reconstruction of through-and-through cheek defects with a free ALT flap between February 2005 and July 2009. These patients were divided into two groups. Group I ( N = 17): the ALT flap was designed based on the traditional handheld Doppler probe. Group II ( N = 15): preoperative imaging with CTA was used to map the perforator’s number, size and variations. Surgical results were evaluated for both major and minor complications, as with the operation time, length of hospital stay and donor-site morbidity. Results Overall flap survival was 96.88% (31 of 32 flaps). The use of preoperative CTA was associated with a significant reduction in major surgical complications, length of surgery and the need for a secondary debulking procedure ( p < 0.05). There was no difference in minor complication and donor-site morbidity. Conclusions The use of CTA for preoperative navigation of ALT flap for cheek reconstruction is associated with improved operative outcomes. Detailed data from images allow the surgeon to interpret any anatomical variations, choosing the exact suitable thigh, facilitate flap design, and greatly reduce major postoperative complications.

Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap in Pediatric Patients

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap represents a workhorse flap in reconstructive surgery. We describe our clinical experience with this flap in the pediatric population. A total of 20 patients with an average age of 9.5 years underwent a free ALT flap reconstruction. All flaps were commonly raised on 2 perforators. About 5 flaps were employed for head and neck reconstruction, 7 for upper and 8 for lower limb reconstruction. Traumatic defects and congenital malformations represented the predominant etiology. Sizable perforators were found in all patients. The caliber was smaller compared to adults, and the course of the perforator was shorter. There were no complete flap losses and no significant donor-site morbidity. Donor-site closure required closure with split-thickness skin grafts in 6 cases. Hypertrophic scars developed in 4 patients. Secondary procedures included flap debulking (5) and Z-plasties (2). In conclusion, children have well-developed perforators supplying the ALT flap. With proper technique, this flap can be harvested and employed safely and reliably for reconstruction of varied defects in children.

Perioperative clinical factors affecting volume changes of reconstructed flaps in head and neck cancer patients: free versus regional flaps

Postoperative volume changes in reconstructed flaps are known to influence the functional restoration of resected areas of the upper aerodigestive tract. The purposes of this study were to estimate the volume decreases in flaps and investigate clinical factors affecting the volume decrease. The medical records of 19 patients who underwent ablation and flap reconstruction surgeries for head and neck cancers were reviewed. The volume of the reconstructed flap was measured at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively using CT or MR imaging and the 3D-DOCTOR software. The relationships between volume changes and perioperative clinical parameters were examined. The primary tumor locations were the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus, oropharynx, oral cavity, and hypopharynx in 8, 6, 4, and 1 case, respectively. Twelve patients underwent anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) reconstruction, and seven patients underwent pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMCF) reconstruction. Twelve (63.2%) patients received postoperative radiation. The estimated volume decreases at 12 and 24 months postoperatively for ALTF were 20.9 and 24.8%, respectively, while those for PMMCF were 7.3 and 10.8%, respectively. Among clinical factors, only the type of flap affected the volume change. When determining the volume of reconstructed flaps, the type of flap must be considered. It was recommended to make free and regional flaps at least 20 and 10% larger, respectively than the actual defect.

Pedicle Anterolateral Thigh Flap Reconstruction after Pelvic Tumor Resection: A Case Report

A 47-year-old female with a locally advanced urologic malignancy previously managed with resection, diversion, and postoperative radiation therapy presented for management of her recurrent cancer that had eroded through the soft tissues of the left inner thigh and vulva. On all staging studies the tumor involved the left common femoral artery, and vein, both above and below the inguinal ligament. The difficulty with such tumors is the availability of tissue to reconstruct the defect. The patient had a history of deep venous thrombosis in the femoral venous system. A local flap was the most logical type of reconstruction. The patient had a right lower quadrant ureterostomy with a large parastomal hernia which further limited the local flap options. An anterolateral thigh flap from the opposite thigh was used to reconstruct the soft tissue deficit in this patient. This resurfaced the defect and provided coverage for the vascular reconstruction.

Computed tomography angiography imaging for the chimeric anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of full thickness buccal defect

Microvascular free flap transplantation is the current most common choice for reconstruction of difficult through-and-through buccal defect after cancer extirpation. The chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is an ideal flap to cover this full thickness defect, but variation in the location of perforators is a major concern. Herein, we introduce computed tomographic angiography (CTA)-guided mathematical perforators mapping for chimeric ALT flap design and harvest. Between September 2008 and March 2009, nine patients with head and neck tumour underwent preoperative CTA perforator mapping before free ALT flap reconstruction of full thickness buccal defects. The perforators were marked on a 64-section multi-detector CT image for each patient, and the actual perforator locations were correlated with the intra-operative dissection. The donor limb of choice, either right or left, was also selected based on the dominant vascularity. Flap success rates, any associated morbidity and complications were recorded. A total of 23 perforators were identified on CTA image preoperatively. Twenty-two of these perforators were chosen for chimeric flap design, and all were located as the CTA predicted, with the rate of utilization being 95.7% (22/23). There were two post-operative complications, including one partial flap necrosis and one microstomia. All of the ALT flaps survived, and there was no donor site morbidity. Preoperative CTA allows accurate perforator mapping and evaluation of the dominant vascularity. It helps the surgeon to get an ideal designing of the chimeric ALT flap with two skin paddles based on individual perforators, but only one vascular anastomosis in reconstruction of full thickness buccal defects.

Supercharged reverse pedicle anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of a massive defect: A case report

Secondary reconstruction of lower extremity defects using local tissues is demanding and fraught with potential complications. Reconstructive efforts may be challenged by pre-existing scarring, paucity of recipient vessels, and patient co-morbidities limiting tolerance for prolonged and extensive surgery. We present a case of an 81-year-old male with a recurrent malignant melanoma invading the proximal and middle third of the tibia, who previously underwent reconstruction with the medial gastrocnemius muscle and a skin graft. After wide local re-excision and tibia fixation, a 12 cm x 28 cm reverse anterolateral thigh flap was used for soft tissue coverage. Because of the relatively large size of the flap based upon retrograde flow, we elected to supercharge the flap to augment its blood supply. Supercharging of the flap pedicle was accomplished by anastamosing the lateral circumflex femoral vessels to the anterior tibial vessels. The donor site wasclosed primarily. The flap survived entirely and successfully endured subsequent radiation therapy. Supercharging enhances reliability of the reverse anterolateral thigh flap, and thus, permits harvest of large tissue bulk for coverage of up to proximal two-thirds of the tibia.This is the first report describing successful supercharging of a large reverse anterolateral thigh flap which resulted in entire flap survival.

Microsurgical Coverage Reconstruction in Upper and Lower Extremities

Trauma is one of the main causes of upper- and lower-limb defects. Limb injuries frequently result in complex defects, hence reconstruction can be demanding. The basic principles of trauma management and methods of reconstruction are analyzed. Then, the evolution of free tissue transfer is reviewed with particular attention to the use of anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of upper- and lower-limb trauma cases. The anterolateral thigh flap is the workhorse flap in our department due to its versatility in the reconstruction of complex defects. Finally, the concept of free-style perforator flaps is presented. Microsurgery has supplied the armamentarium of the plastic surgeon with a very powerful tool. Essentially, microsurgery may almost always provide a solution in cases of complex defects that cannot be covered with the simpler options of the reconstructive ladder. The recently acquired perforator flap concept will gradually become the most popular method of microsurgical reconstruction, as it minimizes donor-site morbidity and replaces "like tissue with like tissue."

Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Reconstruction of Car Tire Injuries of Children's Feet

Grade IV and V car tire injuries occurring in children cause extensive soft tissue defects with exposure or loss of tendons and bone on the dorsum of the foot. Free tissue transfer is indicated for reconstruction of these defects because of the limited local tissue available. We describe our management of high-grade car tire foot injuries in children with free anterolateral thigh flap (ALT). Five pre-school children with car tire injuries (one grade IV and four grade V) were treated with free ALT flap in the last 4 years. The mean age was 4.8 years. In four patients, immediate flap coverage after initial debridement was performed and delayed reconstruction was used as a secondary procedure in one patient. One of the flaps was re-explored for hematoma evacuation and salvaged. All of the flaps survived completely and there were no donor site complications. None of the flaps required a debulking procedure and custom shoe wear has not been necessary in any of the patients. Minor gait abnormalities were detected in two of the patients. With minimal donor site morbidity, long vascular pedicle allowing anastomosis outside of the trauma zone, we believe free ALT flap provides the ideal soft tissue reconstruction for high grade car tire injuries of foot in children. ALT flap can be further thinned to adapt to the defect, contracts less than muscle flaps and contains a vascularized fascia which can be used for extensor tendon reconstruction.

Clinical application of free anterolateral thigh flap in the reconstruction of oromaxillo-facial defects

To analyze the possibility and practicality of using free anterolateral thigh flap to repair defects of oromaxillo-facial region. One hundred and seventy-two patients underwent anterolateral thigh flap (ALP) reconstruction from Jan. 2007 to Dec. 2008. The size of the defect ranges from 4 cm x 4 cm to 10 cm x 25 cm. One hundred and six flaps were used for tongue reconstruction, 14 flaps for buccal reconstruction, 15 flaps for mouth floor reconstruction, 1 flap for lower lip and mental region reconstruction, 6 flaps for hard and soft palate reconstruction, 3 flap for maxillary part reconstruction, 18 flaps for submaxilla part reconstruction, 2 flaps for pharynx oralis reconstruction, 3 flaps for repairing large-area defect of facial, 1 flap for repairing neck and shoulder region and 3 flaps for repairing defect of Infratemporal fossa. Of these flaps, 151 were musculocutaneous flaps, 13 were fasciocutaneous flaps and 8 were chimeric flaps. The success rate reaches 98.3% (169 of 172). Postoperatively, 4 cases encountered vascular crisis, 1 of which survived completely with successful vessel exploration, 3 cases with partial necrosis; and 3 cases with complete necrosis. One case with bleeding after operation. Six cases with parotid fluidly and parotid fistula, 8 cases with mouth floor fistula, 6 cases with infection, 3 cases with infection and partial necrosis on the lateral thigh. All patients achieved acceptable contour, appearance and function. Free anterolateral thigh flap can repair kinds of complicated defects on oromaxillo-facial region.