[Free anterolateral thigh flap for repairing the defects of oral cavity and maxillofacial].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the outcomes following the tumor resection of oral cavity and maxillofacial and reconstruction with free anterolateral thigh flaps (ALT).

METHODS

Thirty one patients underwent ALT reconstruction following the tumor resection from Dec. 2004 to Dec. 2005. Among them, 17 cases were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of tongue, 6 cases of buccal SCC and 8 other malignant. The size of the ALT flaps ranged from 4 to 8 cm in width and 6 to 23 cm in length. Tracheotomy were performed for 4 cases intraoperatively.

RESULTS

The overall successful rate was 96.8%. Thirty cases survival no cancer, 1 case died of recurrent and no-controlled of lymph-node in 8 months after operation. Postoperative vessel thrombosis occurred in 3 flaps between 12 hours to 4 days after operation. Two of them were saved. The necrosis area of the third flap was 25%.

CONCLUSIONS

The ALT was benefit to repair the defects of oral cavity and maxillofacial, and the donor place was more easily hidden and didn't not influence the outlook and function; the important normal functional framing such as teeth and bone should be preserved; the pedicle of vessel could't be twisted during the procedure of reconstruction to avoid vein oppressed; the size of flap should be suitable to defects in order to avoid flaps being crowd and blood clot; tracheotomy was safe while repairing the defect of hard and soft palate. Reconstructive surgical procedures;