Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
07:43
Porcine As a Training Module for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction
Published on: September 29, 2018
8.1K
Delayed Split Anterolateral Thigh Flap as a Versatile Alternative in Head and Neck Malignancy Reconstructions
Ting-Han Chiu1, Hsing-Fu Chen1, Seng-Feng Jeng1
1From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|January 23, 2026
Summary
A two-stage delayed anterolateral thigh flap split within two weeks offers a practical solution for head and neck reconstruction when multiple perforators are absent. This technique minimizes bulkiness and drooling, achieving favorable outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Reconstructing complex head and neck defects is challenging without multiple perforators for flap splitting.
- Conventional methods can lead to bulkiness and drooling.
- A delayed split flap technique presents a viable alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a delayed-split anterolateral thigh flap for head and neck reconstruction.
- To assess outcomes in cases lacking multiple reliable perforators.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 30 delayed-split anterolateral thigh flaps from December 2018 to December 2023.
- Analysis of defect types, perforator patterns, interval to secondary split, flap survival, and complications.
Main Results:
- Twenty-eight flaps were used in cases without multiple perforators.
- The mean interval for secondary split was 10.7 days (range: 6-18 days).
- All flaps survived the two-stage procedure, with minor complications in 5 cases.
Conclusions:
- A two-stage delayed anterolateral thigh flap split within two weeks is technically feasible.
- This technique achieves favorable outcomes in head and neck reconstruction, particularly when perforators are limited.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
3.1K
The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
3.1K
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
5.4K
The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
5.4K
01:20Muscles that Move the Thigh
2.8K
The thigh's motion is primarily governed by muscles originating in the pelvic girdle and inserted into the femur. One crucial muscle, the iliopsoas, is a combination of the psoas major and the iliacus muscles, sharing a common insertion point on the lesser trochanter of the femur.
Three other significant muscles are the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The gluteus maximus originates from the posterior surface of the ilium, sacrum, and coccyx, and the thoracolumbar...
Three other significant muscles are the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The gluteus maximus originates from the posterior surface of the ilium, sacrum, and coccyx, and the thoracolumbar...
2.8K
02:18Alternative RNA Splicing
24.8K
Alternative RNA splicing is the regulated splicing of exons and introns to produce different mature mRNAs from a single pre-mRNA. Unlike in constitutive splicing where a single gene produces a single type of mRNA, alternative splicing allows an organism to produce multiple proteins from a single gene and plays an important role in protein diversity.
There are five types of alternative RNA splicing that vary in the ways the pre-mRNA segments are removed or retained in the mature mRNA. The first...
There are five types of alternative RNA splicing that vary in the ways the pre-mRNA segments are removed or retained in the mature mRNA. The first...
24.8K
02:18Alternative RNA Splicing
5.0K
5.0K
01:26Muscles of the Anterior Neck
4.7K
The anterior neck muscles are the group of muscles covering the front part of the neck. These muscles are classified into three subgroups. The first one is the superficial muscles, the most visible muscles in the front of the neck. It includes the platysma and sternocleidomastoid. The second group is the suprahyoid muscles, located above the hyoid bone. This group comprises the digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid, and stylohyoid. Lastly, the infrahyoid muscles are found below the hyoid bone and...
4.7K