Reconstruction of extensive full thickness cheek defects with free anterolateral thigh flap / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To assess the clinical features and therapeutic efficacy of extensive full thickness cheek defects reconstruction with free anterolateral thigh flap.Methods From December,2008 to June,2014,a total of 17 patients underwent simultaneous tumor radical resection and full thickness cheek defects reconstruction with free anterolateral thigh flap.In these 17 patients,12 patients had undergone the reconstruction of full thickness cheek defects with the folded anterolateral thigh flap (two skin islands and an intervening de-epithelialized zone); 5 patients had undergone the reconstruction of full thickness cheek defects with the two separate skin paddles anterolateral thigh flap in one single pedicle.Results All of 17 free anterolateral thigh flaps survived,besides 1 case resulted in partial loss of flap adge due to diabetes.After 3 to 12 months' follow-up,all cases of free anterolateral thigh flap were good in color,shape and texture,and patients were satisfied with oral morphological and functional reconstruction.Conclusion The free anterolateral thigh flap is one of versatile soft tissue flaps in the extensive full thickness cheek defects reconstruction.