Oblique branch of anterolateral thigh flap: Understand it and issues to handle / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To summarize the oblique branches found in the transfer of anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) and to handle the issues of oblique branch.Methods:Thirty patients who require surgery of ALTF transfer from May, 2017 to October, 2019 were enrolled. CTA examination was perfected prior surgery and the origin of ALTF vessels was preliminarily determined. During the surgery, Three-longitudinal-and-five-transverse methods were used to locate and design the flap. The ALTF was taken according to the flap design. Attention should be paid to the location of the oblique branch and the separation of the vessels of oblique branch to avoid a damage as much as possible. The vessels of oblique branch should be completely explored and separated. One or 2 vascular pedicles were cut according to whether the oblique branch vessels and the descending branch vessels were joined together during surgery. Clamping tests were carried out on the 2 vascular pedicles to determine an arterial blood supply. Super drainage of vascular pedicle veins according to the situation of blood circulation. After the surgery, routine treatment was carried out. Blood supply, skin temperature, swelling degree, exudation and survival of the flap were closely observed and regular follow-up was carried out.Results:Among the 30 ALTF examined by CTA, 13 patients were identified with oblique branch vessels before operation. During operation, 11 oblique branch vessels (The occurrencce rate was 36.6%)were found to enter the flap, and were completely preserved. Of the 11 identified oblique branch vessels, 8 had 2 vascular pedicles taken and the vascular pedicles were treated by venous super drainage technique. The postoperative blood supply of the flap was good; The skin temperature was closed to surrounding normal skin; Swelling of flap was minor and there was little seepage. The flaps all survived after surgery with stage one healing. Followed-up time was 3-32 (average 16.1) months. The recipient site healing was good, and the function and appearance were satisfactory. The joint movement at the donor site was normal, and there was no obvious loss of local sensation.Conclusion:More than one third of the oblique branches appear in this group. The oblique branch vessels should be preserved as much as possible to avoid issues in relation to the oblique branch. Reasonable handling of oblique branch is the key to the success of the surgery.