Short- and Long-Term Complications of Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap Reconstructions: A Single-Centre Experience of 92 Consecutive Cases

A pedicled anterolateral thigh flap decreased the risk of empty pelvis syndrome following total pelvic exenteration

AIM

Total pelvic exenteration (TPE) can be complicated by empty pelvis syndrome (EPS), and none of the currently available procedures completely mitigate this problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a pedicled anterolateral thigh (p-ALT) flap for preventing EPS.

METHOD

All cases of TPE at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo between 2008 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The main indication for TPE was colorectal cancer, with some other malignancies. Background factors, surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between patients who underwent primary suture closure (the PC group) and those who underwent p-ALT flap reconstruction (the flap group).

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients underwent TPE during the study period. Twenty patients in whom a different procedure was performed or a different flap was used for reconstruction were excluded, leaving 94 for analysis (PC group, n = 54; flap group, n = 40). There was no significant between-group difference in patient characteristics. Severe pelvic abscess developed in 12 patients (22.2%) in the PC group and 2 (5%) in the flap group. Multivariable analysis identified a significantly lower risk of severe pelvic abscess in the p-ALT flap reconstruction (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.58, p = 0.01). EPS-related readmissions were more common in the PC group [37.0% (20/54) vs. 25% (10/40)].

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of severe pelvic abscesses and readmission for EPS was significantly lower after perineal reconstruction with a p-ALT flap. Perineal reconstruction with this flap is a feasible and effective method in TPE.

Increasing Pedicle Reach with Musculocutaneous Perforator Dissection in Anterolateral Thigh Free Flaps

OBJECTIVE

To measure the increase in effective pedicle reach with microdissection of musculocutaneous perforators during anterolateral thigh (ALT) free tissue harvest.

METHODS

A review of our institution's free flap database was performed to identify ALT free tissue transfers. The distance from pedicle vessel origin to its perforator's insertion at the fascia lata (effective pedicle length [EPL]) was measured prior to and following intramuscular dissection of musculocutaneous perforators. Pertinent clinicopathologic variables were abstracted from the electronic medical record.

RESULTS

A total of 314 ALT free flaps were performed between February 2017 and August 2022. Of these, 85 had documentation of EPL before and after musculocutaneous perforator dissection. ALT reconstruction was primarily performed for reconstruction of oncologic ablative defects (66, 78%). The mean EPL prior to perforator microdissection was 8.8 cm (standard deviation, SD 2.8 cm; range 3-15 cm). Following perforator dissection, mean EPL significantly increased to 14.0 cm (SD 3.0 cm; range 7-22 cm) with a mean net gain of 5.2 cm in distance (95% confidence interval 4.8-5.6 cm; p < 0.001). Nine patients (11%) required operating room take-back for anastomosis revision (3, 3.5%), recipient site hematoma evacuation (4, 4.7%), and wound dehiscence (2, 2.3%); one complete flap loss due to venous thrombosis was observed.

CONCLUSION

Dissection of musculocutaneous perforators during ALT free flap harvest can increase effective pedicle reach by 5.2 cm or nearly 60%. This harvest technique can facilitate the performance of tension-free anastomoses when substantial vascular pedicle length or vascular pedicle tunneling is required.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 134:666-670, 2024.

The Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Flap as a Versatile Option for Resurfacing Extensive Lower Trunk Defects

BACKGROUND

The resurfacing of large abdominal and perineal defects is a major concern, and it poses a great challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. The main target in the reconstruction of the abdomen is to ensure a stable soft-tissue cover, and a strong and reliable fascia to prevent hernia recurrence and fecal contamination. The pedicled anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) either in the myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous form is a work-horse for the closure of abdominal and perineal defects.

AIM

There is a paucity of studies on the use of the anterolateral thigh flap among black Africans especially in Nigeria; hence, we present our experience with the use of this flap for extensive abdominal and perineal defects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The folders of all patients who had pedicled anterolateral thigh flap between January 2019 and July 2022 in our institution were reviewed. The patients' demographic data and the available details about the flap reconstruction were extracted from the folders.

RESULTS

There were three males and two females, and the age range was between 22 and 48 years. Four cases resulted from tumor extirpation, while one was following extensive necrotizing fasciitis of the lower anterior abdominal wall. No gross anatomical variations were encountered intraoperatively. Four flaps had full survival, while one had marginal flap tip loss.

CONCLUSION

The pedicled anterolateral thigh flap is an excellent reconstructive tool for the coverage of extensive abdominal and perineal defects.