Clinical application of free anterolateral thigh flap with muscles in the reconstruction of facial defect after maxillectomy in malignant tumor / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of the free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap on the appearance and functions after maxillectomy.METHODS The clinical data of 5 patients with malignant maxillary tumors from June,2016 to June 2017 were analyzed retrospectively.The 5 cases were T3-4N0M0 lesions.All of them received the maxillectomy and then were reconstructed with the free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap,and the flap was about 1.25 times of the defect in volume.RESULTS The needed volumes for the reconstruction were from 165 ml to 225 ml and the operation time of reconstruction were between 80-95 minutes.All the free flaps survived after operation.Although the reconstructed side looked swelling obviously in the first month after surgery,the appearance became good and symmetrical after the radiotherapy.No diplopia occurred and the functions of breathing,swallowing and speaking were normal.No movement disorders happened caused by the donor of thigh flap.CONCLUSION The free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap as the reconstructive tissue has many merits.The volume is adequate and can be regulated according to the defect.The forward appearance is better than the free anterolateral thigh flap without muscles.So the reconstruction of free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap is an ideal material for reconstruction because of the good functions and being easy to operate.