Free composite anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of craniofacial defects / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical outcomes of a series of patients who have undergone reconstruction of craniofacial defects after resection of intracranial tumors or craniofacial trauma with free composite anterolateral thigh flaps.@*Methods@#Retrospective analyses the clinical cases from September 2007 to September 2016. Data included flap survival rate, complication, satisfaction survey was reviewed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this surgical strategy.@*Results@#Totally 10 free anterolateral thigh flaps including 3 cases of fasciocutaneous flaps, 2 case of adipofascial flaps, 4 cases of myocutaneous flaps, 1 case of chimeric flap, were adopted to reconstruct craniofacial defects. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 17 months (average, 12 months). All flaps were transferred successfully. There were no cranial spinal fluid(CSF) leaks, intracranial infections or donor site complications. All patients were satisfied.@*Conclusions@#Because of its abundance of tissue, matched vessels to recipient site, versatility of muscular flaps to fill irregularly intracranial defects, reliable blood supply, feasibility of simultaneous fascia lata harvesting, free composite anterolateral thigh flap is the reconstructive method of choice for craniofacial defects reconstruction after resection of intracranial tumors or craniofacial trauma. The use of ALT flap was reliable in the decrease of CSF leak and infection rate and dependable according to long time follow-up.