Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Reconstruction of Extensive Head and Neck Defects following Cancer Ablation
2011
Abstract
The free anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) is one of the fasciomyocutaneous flaps of the thigh based on the musculocutaneous or septocutaneous perforators derived from the lateral circumflex femoral system. It is not popularly used because of the variable anatomy.
The application of the anterolateral thigh flap as a favorable choice for head and neck reconstruction had not been widely used until recent years. Vascular anatomy, harvesting technique and our surgical experience with the ALT free flap reconstruction of the major head and neck postresectional defects is presented.