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Published on: January 11, 2016
Anterolateral thigh flap thinning: techniques and complications.
Tommaso Agostini1, Davide Lazzeri, Giuseppe Spinelli
1From the *Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Centro Traumatologico Ortopedico, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Largo Palagi 1, Florence, Italy; and †Plastic Surgery Unit, Cisanello, Pisa, Italy.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|January 24, 2013
Summary
Thinned anterolateral thigh flaps require careful technique to minimize vascular complications. Subfascial dissection offers the safest method, with a 3.1% chance of manageable marginal necrosis.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Thinned anterolateral thigh flaps are crucial for optimal skin resurfacing.
- Flap thinning techniques and potential vascular complications are critical considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available techniques for immediate flap thinning.
- To identify and analyze vascular complications associated with anterolateral thigh flap trimming.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted across multiple databases (Medline, Embase, PubMed, etc.).
- Articles in English and French were cross-referenced to identify thinning techniques and complications.
- Data extraction included flap dimensions, thickness, perforator type, complications, and thinning methods.
Main Results:
- 34 articles were compiled based on inclusion criteria.
- Analysis focused on vascular complications related to flap site, thickness, thinning technique, and deep fascia preservation.
- The safest subfascial dissection method had a 3.1% probability of marginal necrosis.
Conclusions:
- Overall vascular complications from flap thinning totaled 13.4%.
- Complications included partial flap loss (4.1%), partial distal necrosis (3.5%), marginal necrosis (3.1%), and total flap loss (2.5%).
- Marginal necrosis can often be managed conservatively.
