ABSTRACT
The use of tensor fasciae latae was first described as a rotation or island flap and evolved into a free flap in the late 1970s. This series of 85 patients undergoing free tensor fasciae latae transfer includes complex head and neck, abdominal wall and lower limb reconstruction. The overall success rate was 93% (79 patients), partial flap loss, 5% (four cases), and flap failure, 2% (two patients). Twelve patients (14%) required unplanned return to theatre for exploration resulting in a 75% salvage rate. We believe this series demonstrates the great versatility of this flap and highlights particular indications for its use.
Subject(s)
Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Surgical Flaps , Abdominal Wall/surgery , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Fascia Lata/transplantation , Female , Graft Rejection , Humans , Leg Injuries/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Reoperation , Skin Transplantation/methodsABSTRACT
The reconstruction of large and intricate defects may need the use of combined flaps due to either the size or requirement for multiple surfaces. The combination may be between free and pedicled tissue transfer, and combined or connected free flaps classified by Koshima. We will discuss the use of the Siamese combined free flap as a method of the reconstructing challenging cases, including one of the largest free tissue transfer reported.
