Mean operative time for free
anterolateral thigh flaps for upper extremity of surgery was 4 hours 39 min
(minimum 3 h 2 min, maximum 6 h 20 min). The mean hospitalization was 24.8 days
(minimum 5, maximum 85).65 The
mean duration for the reconstruction of
perineoscrotal defects in Fournier’s gangrene with pedicle anterolateral thigh
perforator flap operation was around 2 hour with an average hospital
stay of 26 days (range, 18–48 days).74 The average operative time
was 5 hr (range: 3.5 to 6.5 hr). The average flap dissection time was 70 min
(range: 45 to 105 min).68 In our study, we compared the mean pedicle
dissection time (time taken from flap elevation to dissection of pedicle) of
septocutaneous with musculocutaneous perforator. On statistical evaluation
there is significant difference present in pedicle dissection time between both
the perforator. Mean pedicle dissection time of musculocutaneous perforator 173.00 ± 25.94 minutes which is significantly more
than the pedicle dissection time of
septocutaneous perforator143.00
± 12.04 minutes. In our study, we
also compared the total operative time in pedicle and free flap. On statistical
evaluation there is significant difference present (p value<.05). Mean total
operative time taken in free flap is 308.33
± 34.88 minutes which is significantly more than the pedicle flap 232.77 ± 33.27 minutes. This result is obvious because extra time is required for
anastomosis of donor and recipient vessels in free flap.
In our study, we compared the duration of
hospital stay in pedicle and free flap. On statistical evaluation there is
significant difference present (p<.05). Mean duration of hospital stay in
pedicle flap is 22.22 ±2.81
days which is significantly more than the free flap
18.00 ± 5.05 days. This is justified because
in pedicle flap maximum defect site were of scrotal/groin region and one
patient had defect at dorsum hand. Therefore strict position of lower limb is
required to prevent compression of pedicle.
Moukarbael
RV et al.83 found that the average score in the shoulder domain from
the PMMF group was worse than that of the ALTFF group. They showed that PMMF
not only reduced the range of motion but also reduced the strength across more
than one domain. This could explain why the average score in the shoulder
domain in the PMMF group was worse than that of the ALTFF group. We believe
that the donor site scar affected patients' normal social activities and social
interaction, so it brings a great deal of distress to patients. Therefore,
donor-site morbidity such as scar appearance and aesthetics have typically
become important social and emotion issues. We found that patients who had
undergone reconstruction with the ALT Free Flap procedure had a higher score in
the appearance domain. This is may be due to the donor site scar of ALT FLAP
which is less likely to be exposed.
Reconstructive
options for groin defects can be Sartorius, Gracilis, Rectus abdominis, Rectus
Femoris, Tensor Fascia Lata muscle and myocutaneous flaps, Anterolateral thigh
flap and local skin flaps.84 Sartorius has a segmental blood supply
(Type IV) and thin muscle belly, which is not suitable in many of the cases for
the type of defect we need to cover. Skin availability is limited in Gracilis
flaps and rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap leads to abdominal wall weakness.
Tensor Fascia Lata flap creates unacceptable dog ears and there is need for
skin grafting at donor site, while rectus femoris flap may cause weakness of
knee extension. The requirements of the recipient site dictate the choice of
flaps in a particular case. However, we have used the ALT flaps due to its
advantages
• The pedicle is
long and possesses large calibre vessels.38,39
• The size, shape
and volume can be adjusted.
• The property of
the flap is supple.40
• Skin territory
of the flap is very wide & large and flaps measuring 25 x 18 cm. can
survive with only one perforator.39
• The flap can
also be combined with other local flaps and free flaps.
• Primary closure
of donor site is possible when the width is < 8 cm.
However, there
are few disadvantages with the ALT flap:
• Technically
more demanding
• The variability
in position of perforators.40
• Need for STSG
for donor site closure in some cases of large flaps.
In
our cases due to the proximity of donor and recipient site,we are able to use
the flap tissue as a pedicled flap.
Kimata
Y. et al.52 reported their experience of 74 cases where the ALT
flaps were used successfully as pedicled flaps primarily for reconstructing
groin and abdominal wall defects. In most of the cases they have used it as a
fasciocutaneous flap while we also have mainly used it as a fasciocutaneous
flap to meet the recipient site requirement. Sheng Kang Luo et al.35
have demonstrated that ALT fasciocutaneous flaps can be used for difficult
perineal and genital area reconstruction, especially scrotal reconstruction.
This once again proves the versatility of pedicled ALT flaps as a
reconstructive tool. In our study, Partial flap losses were managed by
debridement and primary closure.
Among the traumas to the UEs and the
LEs, severe soft tissue defects exposing ligaments or bones require
reconstruction to prevent an infection. Reconstruction methods largely include
a skin graft, a local pedicle flap, a distant pedicle flap, and a free flap.
The primary purpose of reconstruction using the free flap is insulating
the exposed tissue from the outside, but approaches to the UEs and the LEs are
different in terms of functional. The UE is the most exposed area and its
functional recovery for activities of daily living as well as aesthetic
recovery should be the focus of treatment. The LEs, on the other hand, are
largely hidden. Therefore, compared with the UEs, the basic functions of the
LEs, such as the ability to wear shoes and walk without pain, are more
important than aesthetic recovery.
According to previous studies, in the
reconstruction of the LEs, the donor site on the same side of the recipient
extremity is advantageous because intra-operative positional change is not
necessary. However, in cases of femoral fractures, pelvic fractures, or soft
tissue defects, the opposite side that have no vascular injuries is optimal for
flap elevation. These results are consistent with those of our study where satisfaction
of patients with the choice of the donor site was significantly higher However,
there are two additional factors when it comes to ALT flap reconstruction. The
first factor is anatomical structure. Another factor is the simultaneous
operation by 2 teams, which could reduce the operative time. In our series, the
choice of the donor site impacted the operative time. Therefore, further
studies are necessary to decide whether patient satisfaction or reduced
operative time is more important.
This
contrasts favorably with the radial forearm flap which, although it is a thin
and pliable flap, leaves an ugly scar on the exposed part of the forearm.
In the reconstruction of lower limb defects, the idea still
prevails that muscle flaps are a prerequisite to cope with infection. There is
little or no substantial evidence though to prove the superiority of muscle
flaps compared with well-vascularized skin flaps. Clinical evidence supports
the idea that skin flap coverage in itself is sufficient, if only adequate
debridement and hemostasis, mechanical rinsing, and obliteration of dead spaces
have been performed.
Essentially what we are looking for in the majority of cases of
lower extremity reconstruction are thin, large, and well-vascularized skin
flaps, with long pedicles of adequate size, nice texture match, and minimal
donor site morbidity.
The anterolateral thigh flap has all the advantages of most
perforator flaps: a large skin island, reliable and long pedicle, and depending
on cultural biases, acceptable donor-site morbidity. In the lower leg, the
possibility of harvesting a flap on the same leg without further functional
impairment offers an additional advantage.
However, with the plethora of different type of flaps available,
donor-site morbidity and the exact matching of the flap with the recipient site
to increase functional and aesthetic outcome become more important
considerations. With this, cultural differences come into the issue. Seemingly,
Asian patients tend to be leaner than Western patients and are more willing to
accept the scar and the eventual contour deformity on the thigh, which can
occur even after primary closure.
The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was
always accompanied by two veins with different back-flow strengths. Therefore,
veins for microsurgical anastomosis must be chosen carefully. Because it is
nourished by several perforators arising from the descending artery, the vastus
lateralis muscle can be combined with the anterolateral thigh flap. However,
splitting the muscle longitudinally without harvesting its blood supply is
complicated because its fibers are oblique. The rectus femoris muscle can also
be combined with the anterolateral thigh flap, but its pedicle is short and its
origin is very near the site of anastomosis