Abstract
Introduction Perforator flap transfer has the benefits of minimal donor site morbidity and customization
in design. This study reports on the proximal lateral leg perforator (PLLP) flap transfer
for head and neck reconstruction.
Materials and Methods From January 2000 through December 2009, 18 patients underwent head and neck reconstruction
with the PLLP flap, including 16 males and 2 females ranging in age between 32 and
80 years old. The mean follow-up time was 9.8 months.
Results Mother vessels of PLLP flaps can arise 77.8% (14/18) from the peroneal system, 11.1%
(2/18) from the posterior tibial system, or 11.1% (2/18) from the common popliteal
system. The skin dimension ranges from 4 cm × 7 cm to 6.5 cm × 18 cm. The mean of
the perforator size is 1.96 mm (1.5 mm to 2.3 mm). The mean of the pedicle length
is 6.96 cm (4.5 cm to 10 cm). All flaps survived completely except one flap that had
partial necrosis.
Conclusions The PLLP flap for head and neck reconstruction offers versatility in design, diverse
tissues for composition, a two-team approach, and negligible donor site morbidity,
and it spares major vessels. The unpredictable pedicle length and the feasibility
for microvascular anastomosis in the perforator level can be adapted with further
experience and refining techniques.
Keywords
head and neck reconstruction - lateral leg perforator flap
