Reconstruction of through-and-through cheek defects with folded free anterolateral thigh flaps.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical application and therapeutic efficacy of through-and-through cheek defects reconstructed with folded anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to May 2012, 10 patients with through-and-through cheek defects resulting from resection of cheek tumor underwent reconstruction with the folded ALT flap at Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China. Surgical procedures in harvesting the ALT flap, as well as the surgical anatomy, are described, and the success rate is reported. RESULTS: All ALT flaps were fasciocutaneous flaps. One patient with a thrombotic event required operative exploration in the perioperative period. All 10 flaps were based on a single perforator for reconstruction of defects. In all 10 cases, the donor site was closed primarily for the ALT flap, leaving only a linear scar that was inconspicuous with normal clothing, and the thigh had no functional deficit. CONCLUSIONS: The free ALT flap has good pliability and can be folded for the reconstruction of both the inner and outer lining of through-and-through cheek defects. This flap presents good functional results at the recipient site with the additional advantages of minimal donor-site morbidity, a very acceptable esthetic result, and a high level of patient satisfaction.