Versatility of the Proximally Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Flap and Its Use in Complex Abdominal and Pelvic Reconstruction:

Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defect using an eccentric perforator-based pedicled anterolateral thigh flap: a case report

Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects is a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. In this report, a case of reconstruction of a large abdominal wall defect using an eccentric perforator-based pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is presented. A 30-year-old man presented with recurrent desmoid-type fibromatosis in the abdominal wall. The recurrent tumor was radically excised, and the en bloc excision resulted in a full-thickness, large abdominal wall defect (25 cm × 20 cm). An eccentric perforator-based pedicled ALT flap, including wide fascial extension, was transferred to the abdominal defect; fascial portions were sutured to the remnant abdominal fascia. Plication of the fascia along the sutured portion was performed to relieve the skin tension between the flap and the marginal skin of the abdominal defect. Eight months after surgery, the reconstructed abdomen had an acceptable esthetic appearance without tumor recurrence or hernia. The use of an eccentric perforator-based pedicled ALT flap may be an alternative method for the reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects.

Nearly total unilateral buttock reconstruction with a proximally pedicled anterolateral thigh flap: a case report

The anterolateral thigh flap has been used to reconstruct defects of lower trunk, perineum and upper thigh. We used a proximally based pedicled anterolateral thigh flap to repair an extensive gluteal defect ranging from the greater trochanter to the posterior midline and preserve the buttock contour. We conclude that the maximal lateral reach of the flap can extend to the posterior midline.

Reconstruction of infected abdominal wall defects using latissimus dorsi free flap

INTRODUCTION

Infected abdominal defects are a challenge to surgeons. In this study, we describe 10 cases in which the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was used for successful reconstruction of abdominal wall defects severely infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

METHODS

Retrospective review of 10 patients with abdominal wall defects that were reconstructed using the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap between 2002 and 2010. All patients had abdominal defects with hernias, combined with MRSA infections. The sizes of the flaps ranged from 120 to 364 cm(2) . The deep inferior epigastric artery was the recipient vessel in nine patients and the internal mammary vessels were used for one patient.

RESULTS

There were no complications relating to the flaps, although there were other minor complications including wound dehiscence, haematoma and fluid correction. After reconstruction, there were no signs of infection during follow-up periods, and the patients were satisfied with the final results.

CONCLUSION

Reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, including muscle fascia structures, is a potential treatment option for severely infected large abdominal wall defects.

Comparison of pedicled and free anterolateral thigh flaps for reconstruction of complex defects of the abdominal wall: review of 20 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

The reconstruction of large, complex defects of the abdominal wall after the ablation of malignant tumours can be challenging. The transfer of an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is an attractive option. This study compared free ALT flaps and pedicled ALT flaps for abdominal wall reconstruction.

METHODS

From 1996 through 2011, 20 patients underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with ALT flaps. The flaps were pedicled in 12 patients and free in eight patients. Medical records were reviewed for complications and clinical and demographic data. Abdominal wall defects were classified into the following four groups: upper midline, lower midline, upper quadrants and lower quadrants.

RESULTS

Pedicled flaps were transferred to the upper midline region in one patient, the lower midline region in six patients and lower quadrants in five patients. Free flaps were transferred to the lower midline region in two patients, upper quadrants in four patients and lower quadrants in two patients. Mean reconstructive time was significantly longer with free flaps (6 h 32 min) than with pedicled flaps (4 h 55 min, p = 0.035). Although free flaps (mean size, 360 cm(2)) were larger than pedicled flaps (mean size, 289 cm(2)), the difference was not significant (p = 0.218). The rates of complications did not differ between free flaps and pedicled flaps. No total flap loss occurred, and there was partial loss of only a single pedicled flap, which was the flap furthest from the pivot point. Infections developed of two pedicled flaps and three free flaps.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that complication rates do not differ between free and pedicled ALT flaps. The choice of flap depends on the size and location of the defect and the length of the vascular pedicle.

Reconstruction of groin defects following radical inguinal lymphadenectomy: an evidence based review

Inguinal lymph node involvement is an important prognostic and predictive factor in various neoplasms of the genitalia and lower limb. As part of the multimodality approach, these patients undergo surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Morbidity of inguinal lymphadenectomy includes lymphedema, lymphorrhea and infection; however the most common distressing complication is skin necrosis. Myocutaneous flaps have been the most popular form of primary or delayed groin reconstruction. This paper aims to critically review the different myocutaneous flaps used in groin reconstruction, discuss evidence based data on the versatility and utility of these flaps and discuss ways in which modifications maybe incorporated in treatment and radiation planning following groin reconstruction. A comprehensive search of the scientific literature was carried out using PubMed to access all publications related to groin reconstruction. The search focused specifically on current management, technique, safety and complications of these procedures. Keywords searched included "inguinal lymphadenectomy", "primary reconstruction", "musculocutaneus flap", "myocutaneous flap", "tensor fascia lata flap", "anterolateral thigh flap", "rectus abdominis flap". Low to middle income countries witness a huge burden of locally advanced genital malignancies and melanoma of the lower extremity. Higher tumor burden both at the primary site as well as the inguinal basin requires surgery as the primary modality of treatment. Groin reconstruction is required not only to prevent femoral blowouts but also for early administration of adjuvant radiation. The versatility of tensor fascia lata, anterolateral thigh, and rectus abdominis flaps is useful to cover the defect, provide radiation, eradicate pain and achieve good palliation. Assessment of aesthetic and functional outcomes of one flap over the other and the "ideal" form of reconstruction for groin defects needs additional investigation.

The clinical application of anterolateral thigh flap

The anterolateral thigh flap can provide a large skin paddle nourished by a long and large-caliber pedicle and can be harvested by two-team work. Most importantly, the donor-site morbidity is minimal. However, the anatomic variations decreased its popularity. By adapting free-style flap concepts, such as preoperative mapping of the perforators and being familiar with retrograde perforator dissection, this disadvantage had been overcome gradually. Furthermore, several modifications widen its clinical applications: the fascia lata can be included for sling or tendon reconstruction, the bulkiness could be created by including vastus lateralis muscle or deepithelization of skin flap, the pliability could be increased by suprafascial dissection or primary thinning, the pedicle length could be lengthening by proximally eccentric placement of the perforator, and so forth. Combined with these technical and conceptual advancements, the anterolateral thigh flap has become the workhorse flap for soft-tissue reconstructions from head to toe.