One-stage reconstruction of large scalp defects: anterolateral thigh flap

Seven patients with large scalp and calvarial defects underwent reconstruction with free tissue transfer. Patients fell into two groups according to etiology: tumoral (five) or traumatic (two). A single type of free flap was used in each patient, i.e., the anterolateral thigh flap. Duraplasties with the flaps' vascularized fasciae were performed in two patients with minor calvarial defects, and nonvascularized fasciae were used in another two, with a cranioplasty using methylmethacrylate. One postoperative death and one venous congestion necessitating exploration were observed. The explored anastomosis revealed occlusion of the venous anastomosis; drainage with a venous graft into the neck veins was performed. Minor tissue loss with secondary healing was observed in the flap. Extensive scalp defects often necessitate challenging reconstructive procedures. Single-stage reconstruction with good qualified tissue is possible with a free tissue transfer. The anterolateral thigh flap provides a large amount of tissue with decreased donor-site morbidity and good cosmetic results.