ABSTRACT
Objective To explore how to overcome the difficulties during two paddle anterolateral thigh flap harvest. Methods From January, 2009 to December, 2015, the harvest of two paddle anterolateral thigh flap was encountered difficulties during surgery in 8 cases, which were 7 males and 1 female. The age was ranged from 16 to 48 years old, with averaged of 32.8. Six patients presented with one defect, and 2 patients presented with two defects. The skin defects ranged from 60-247 cm2. The number of the flap perforator, vascular source, flap pattern and out-comes was recorded. All patiants were followed-up at regular intervals. Results All of 8 flaps were converted suc-cessfully during surgery. Only 1 perforator was found in 4 cases. The flap was converted to sigle perforator flap. The dornor site was covered by skin graft. Two perforators from different origins were found in 2 cases, and the flap was converted to sequential chimeric flap. Two perforators from descending branch and transverse branch respectively were found in 1 case, and the flap was converted to combined anterolateral thigh and tensor fascia lata flap. Only 1 perfora-tor was found in 1 case, which the distal defect was small sized, the flap was converted to deepithelialized two paddle flap. The flap ranged from 78-288 cm2. Venous compromise was happened in 1 case, and the flap survived after reex-ploration surgery. Local infection was found in 2 cases, and cured with wound dressing. Other flaps were survived un-eventfully. At donor site, 1 case wound dehiscence and 1 case local infection, both of which underwent debridement and healed. All patiants were followed-up for 7-21(mean, 11.5)months. The flaps had satisfactory appearance and soft texture. Conclusion When it is difficult to harvest two paddle anterolateral thigh flap during surgery, the flap need to be converted rationally based on the characteristics of the defect, the number of the flap perforator, and the vascular origins.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the surgical method of repairing the defects of the hand with the free antero-lateral thigh perforator flap without carrying the source of blood vessels and the fascia. Methods From February, 2013 to October, 2016, 8 cases of hand defects with tendon and bone exposure.Looking for the thickest perforator in the anterolateral thigh region by using the Multidetector computed tomography angiography(MDCTA)and color Doppler Sonography(CDS). Find the perforator in the superficial fascia,cut a small part of the fascia lata and vastus lateralis,cut off the pedicle at the musculocutaneous perforator.Cover the defects with flap after debridement. Regular follow-up include:the healing of the wound,the texture,shape and sensation of the skin flap, the scar and complica-tions of the donor area. Results All flaps survived in 8 cases, in one case,there are 1.0 cm necrosis in the distal flap, after debridement, direct suture. All patients were followed up for 6-12 months. The flaps were soft and normal color, restore the protective touch. The donor site healed well, linear scar, no itching and dysfunction. Conclusion Free anterolateral thigh perforator flap without source blood vessels and fascia lata is a good method for the repair of hand defects.