Suprafascial Anterolateral Thigh Flap Harvest: A Better Way to Minimize Donor-site Morbidity in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

Suprafascial Anterolateral Thigh Flap Harvest: A Better Way to Minimize Donor-site Morbidity in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Apr 29;

Authors: Chen YC, Scaglioni MF, Carrillo Jimenez LE, Yang JC, Huang EY, Lin TS

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and donor site morbidity between the suprafascial and subfascial harvesting of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps.
METHODS: Sixty-one patients who underwent free flap reconstruction (30 suprafascial ALT flaps and 31 subfascial ALT flaps) were included in this study. The patients assessed the subjective donor-site morbidity and satisfaction with the overall functional result using a self-reported questionnaire. The flap characteristics (perforator number, flap size, and harvest time) and outcomes (success rate, partial necrosis, infection, hematoma and fistula) were compared.
RESULTS: The success rates of suprafascial ALT flaps and subfascial ALT flaps were 96.7 percent and 96.8%. There were no significant differences in the flap size, harvest time or overall complication rates. The suprafascial ALT flap group experienced fewer abnormal sensations (p < 0.001). and better subjective satisfaction at the donor site than did the subfascial ALT flap group (p = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS: In terms of reducing donor-site morbidity, the suprafascial ALT flap group showed fewer sensory disturbances in donor thighs and exhibited better patient satisfaction than did the subfascial ALT flap group, but meticulous dissection of tiny perforators above the fascia is required for the former procedure.

PMID: 27152581 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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