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Updated: Sep 3, 2025
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
The Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap for Mandibular Reconstruction: A Volumetric and Patient Satisfaction Analysis
Xuelai Yin1, Xiaofeng Xu2, Eugene Poh Hze-Khoong3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology.
Purpose:
This study investigated the stability and quality of life (QoL) outcomes of patients who received mandibular reconstructions with the anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTF) following tumor resection.
Methods:
Thirty-five patients with oral tumors that were resected and reconstructed with ALTF were included in this study. Volumetric analyses of each ALTF were performed at 6 to 18 months postoperatively. A QoL survey was also conducted 2 years postoperatively and compared by means of an independent-sample t test with 28 patients who had mandibular reconstructions with free fibula flap.
Results:
There were no significant volumetric changes in the ALTF or the QoL results of either group.
Conclusions:
Patients with advanced oral cancers have a higher risk of recurrence that mandates closer radiographic surveillance. This may be impaired by artifacts from metallic implants required in free fibula flap reconstructions. Anterolateral thigh perforator flap may be a viable alternative because it is easier for secondary resection, amenable for direct repairs, has volumetric stability, has a lower cost and results in a comparable QoL outcome.
