Versatility of the proximally pedicled anterolateral thigh flap and its use in complex abdominal and pelvic reconstruction.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral thigh flap was described by Song et al. in 1984. Although more usually used as a free flap, it also has remarkable versatility as a pedicled flap. There are, however, no well-established guidelines that exist to define the extent of defects that can be reconstructed using this flap. In this article, the authors evaluate their experience with consecutive cases of the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap in complex abdominal and pelvic reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records and photographic archives was performed looking at 28 proximally pedicled anterolateral thigh flaps in 27 patients. RESULTS: The authors identified the arcs of rotation achieved, the types of defects reconstructed, points of surgical technique that enhanced their results, and some pitfalls of this flap. Useful points of surgical technique identified included suprafascial flap harvesting, extended harvesting of fascia, utilization of fascia to protect the pedicle, harvesting as a composite flap with the vastus lateralis, prudent preservation of large perforators that transgress the lateral aspect of the rectus femoris, synergistic use with a sartorius "switch," complete flap deepithelialization to fill dead space, and simple conversion to a free flap when pedicle length is inadequate. Pitfalls identified included the increased risk of pedicle avulsion in the morbidly obese, the risk of atherosclerotic plaque embolization in an atheromatous pedicle, and the potential inadequacy of thigh fascia for reconstituting abdominal wall integrity. CONCLUSIONS: This versatile flap has a wide arc of rotation. Multiple surgical modifications can be employed to tailor the flap to individual patient needs.