[Free thinning anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects after resection of buccal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effect of free thinning anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects after resection of buccal carcinoma.

METHODS

From January 2012 to April 2015,15 cases with buccal carcinoma received radical resection and immediate reconstruction with free thinning anterolateral thigh flap. The flap size ranged from 8 cm × 6 cm to 12 cm × 8 cm.

RESULTS

Flap necrosis happened in one case. The other 14 flaps survived completely with good color and texture. The patients were followed up for 6-36 months with good appearance and function. There was no malfunction on donor site. One case(T3N1M0) died 16 months after operation.1 case(T3N1M0) had local recurrence 8 month later.

CONCLUSIONS

The free thinning anterolateral thigh flap has reliable blood supply with minimal morbidity on donor sites. It is a good choice for reconstruction with good cosmetic and functional results.