Repair of scalp defect with anterolateral thigh perforator flap after revascularisation of moyamoya disease: a report of 7 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of free anterolateral thigh perforator flap(ALTPF) in reconstruction of temporal scalp defect after blood circulation reconstruction surgery for moyamoya disease.Methods:From May 2020 to July 2022, 7 patients with scalp defect after revascularisation of moyamoya disease were treated in Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital (People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University). The patients were 4 males and 3 females, aged 33-59 years old, at 43 years old in average. There were 5 defects in left tempus and 2 in right tempus. The sizes of scalp defect were 4.5 cm × 5.5 cm-7.5 cm × 9.5 cm. Debridement and VSD management were primarily performed. After wounds were stabilised, ultrasound location of perforator vessels of ALTPFs was performed. Having confirmed that the perforator vessels were suitable for the surgical requirements, flap transfers were then performed. The descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery was end-to-side anastomosed with the superficial temporal artery, and the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex vein was end-to-end anastomosed with the superficial temporal vein. Postoperative follow-up was conducted through outpatient clinic visits, telephone and WeChat reviews. Appearance, texture of ALTPFs and the flap donor sites were observed in follow-ups. Comparisons of the changes of nervous system before and after surgery were made. Cognitive function of the patients was assessed with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), together with the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) .Results:All 7 flaps survived. One flap had vascular compromise 6 hours after surgery, and was rectified after surgical intervention. All the patients were included in the postoperative follow-up for 7-33 (average 19) months. All flaps had good appearance with soft texture. There was no obvious difference in colour comparing with the skin around the recipient region. The donor sites healed well without hypertrophic scar. Examinations of nervous system of the patients were found the same as that before surgery. Using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), the average limb muscle strength of the patients was 4 before surgery and 4 after surgery, without change; Using the Ashworth assessment scale, the average preoperative and postoperative limb muscle tension in this group of patients was 1, without change; The Berg balance scale was used to evaluate the patient's balance function, with an average score of 42 before surgery and 42 after surgery, without any changes; There was no change in limb sensation before and after surgery; Using the MMSE, the average preoperative score and postoperative score of this group of patients were 25 points, without any change. Using the modified Barthel index scoring standard, the average preoperative score for this group of patients was 75 points, and the average postoperative score was 79 points, and the ADL of the patient had improved to various levels.Conclusion:Reconstruction of scalp defect with free ALTPF after revascularisation of moyamoya disease has obvious advantages, such as it closes the wound quickly, prevents infection and achieves a good appearance. This surgical procedure can produce a good clinical effect.