[Preparative technique of anterolateral thigh flap]

To investigate the surgical techniques and methods of anterolateral thigh (myocutaneous) flap.

Two hundred and forty-five consecutive free anterolateral thigh (myocutaneous) flaps for reconstruction of the defects of oral and maxillofacial region following the malignant tumors resection from January 2007 to August 2009 were reviewed. The incision was designed in the upper, middle or lower part 3 cm medial of the iliac-patella line according to the thickness of flaps needed. The perforators with suitable vessel diameter and strong pulse were chosen to make flaps with muscular tissue to fill dead space. More than one perforators were taken when large flaps were harvested. The size of the flaps ranged from 4 cm × 4 cm to 10 cm × 25 cm. Eighteen fat flaps were made thinned.

Of the 245 flaps harvested, 3 complete necrosis occurred, and the survival rate was 98.8%. Blisters occurred in 8 thinned flaps, but they all survived. All the wounds were closed directly except 5 cases, which needed skin graft because of too large defects of skin. All the skin graft came from the upper part of the wound of donor site. The shape and function were satisfactory after the reconstruction.

When anterolateral thigh (myocutaneous) flaps are harvested, the incision should be designed 3 cm medial of the iliac-patella line according to the thickness of flaps needed. It is helpful to find the perforators. All of the lower, middle and upper parts of anterolateral thigh region have cutaneous perforators. The skin defects within 8 cm can be closed directly, while the skin defects more than 8 cm often need skin grafting. The skin grafts can be taken from the upper part of donor site wounds.