Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026
06:32
Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
818
Free Tensor Fascia Lata Perforator Flap: An Alternative Lateral Thigh-Based Option for Head and Neck Oncologic Defect
Florin-Vlad Hodea1,2, Wei-Yu Chen1, Chao-Hsin Huang1
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
Microsurgery
|March 7, 2026
Summary
The tensor fascia lata perforator (TFLp) flap is a reliable backup for head and neck reconstruction when the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is unavailable. This study shows a 95% success rate, making TFLp a viable alternative.
Area of Science:
- Microsurgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Free tissue transfer is standard for head and neck reconstruction.
- The thigh is a common donor site, with the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap frequently used.
- Evidence on the tensor fascia lata perforator (TFLp) flap as an alternative to the ALT flap is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the tensor fascia lata perforator (TFLp) flap as a reliable backup option for lateral thigh-based head and neck reconstruction.
- To assess the clinical relevance of the TFLp flap when ALT perforators are absent or unreliable.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 20 patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction with TFLp flaps.
- Data collected from 957 thigh-based flap reconstructions between 2019 and 2023.
- TFLp flaps were harvested when ALT perforators were not suitable; patient demographics, flap characteristics, and outcomes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Flap sizes ranged from 6x4 cm to 20x13 cm.
- 95% overall flap success rate (19/20 flaps survived).
- Complications (25%) included vascular issues, hematomas, and infection, with successful salvage in most cases. Higher BMI and hypertension correlated with complications.
Conclusions:
- The tensor fascia lata perforator (TFLp) flap is an effective alternative for head and neck reconstruction.
- It serves as a reliable option when the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap cannot be utilized.
- The TFLp flap offers a viable solution for complex reconstructions requiring lateral thigh-based tissue transfer.
