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Pre-expanded Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap for Phalloplasty
Salvatore D'Arpa1, Britt Colebunders1, Filip Stillaert1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan, 185, K12C, Gent 9000, Belgium.
Abstract:
The anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap for phalloplasty is gaining popularity because it avoids the well-known scars of the radial forearm flap. However, scars are not eliminated, just moved to a different location, the thigh, that can for some patients be of great sexual value. Preexpansion of the ALT flap allows primary donor site closure, thus avoiding not only the unsightly appearance of a skin grafted ALT donor site, but also the skin graft donor site scar. Preoperative perforator location by means of computed tomography angiography allows safe expander placement through 2 small remote incisions.

