Lower Leg Reconstruction With Free Tissue Transfer Using Reverse Flow Recipient Vein: A Case Report

Since the introduction of distally based flap, the concept of reverse flow flap was expanded to free tissue transfers. For recipient vessels, retrograde arterial inflow is considered a safe option for anastomosis. However, the reliability of a retrograde recipient vein remains controversial. This report presents a case of successful lower leg reconstruction with free flap using a retrograde recipient vein. A 43-year-old woman had a mass lesion in the lateral side of the right calf, which was diagnosed as a malignant granular cell tumor. During wide excision of the tumor, the anterior tibial artery (ATA) and veins were ligated and resected at the bifurcation point from the popliteal artery and veins because the tumor abutted on the ATA near the bifurcation. The skin defect measured 17 × 7 cm with the proximal part of the tibia and lateral condyle exposed. A 19 × 7.5 cm anterolateral thigh flap was elevated, and anastomoses were performed using the distal end of the ATA and anterior tibial vein as retrograde recipient vessels. The flap was well perfused, and no signs of venous insufficiency were observed. Complete survival with no postoperative complications was achieved. In free tissue transfers of the lower leg, retrograde venous flow can be considered as a recipient vein when an antegrade vein is not available or has risks of venous insufficiency.