Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Alternative reconstructive choices for anterolateral thigh flap dissection in cases in which no sizable skin
Ching-Hua Hsieh1, Johnson Chia-Shen Yang, Chien-Chang Chen
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan. m93chinghua@gmail.com
Background:
Alternative choices were proposed to facilitate a successful reconstruction when no sizable skin perforator is encountered in anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap dissection.
Methods:
Alternative choices such as harvest of a tensor fascia latae (TFL) flap, elevation of an anteromedial thigh (AMT) flap, use of a free muscle component with full-thickness skin graft coverage, and use of another donor flap were performed.
Results:
Between August 1995 and December 2006, 10 of 923 patients underwent ALT flap elevation with no sizable perforators. Of them, each of the 4 patients received reconstruction with a free TFL flap, 3 with an AMT flap, 2 with a free muscle flap, and 1 with a radial forearm flap. There was 1 TFL flap failure due to postoperative venous thrombosis, and the defect was repaired by an AMT flap.
Conclusion:
When no sizable perforator is encountered, successful reconstruction could still be achieved by the proposed alternative choices.
