Semin Plast Surg 2002; 16(1): 045-052
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-22679
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction

Naci Celik, Fu-chan Wei, Sinikka Suominen, Ming-huei Cheng
  • Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 March 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Breast reconstruction is being considered by increasing numbers of breast cancer patients. Lower abdominal wall tissue, either as a pedicled or as a free flap, is usually the first choice for postmastectomy reconstruction. However, in some situations, use of an abdominal flap is not possible or is contraindicated. Although several second-choice flaps are available for such conditions, including gluteal flaps and the latissimus dorsi flap, some drawbacks make them undesirable solutions. Recently, the anterolateral thigh flap has gained popularity for soft tissue defect reconstruction and has been found to be suitable for postmastectomy reconstruction in selected cases. It is a bulky flap in females with good-quality skin and underlying fat pad. The pedicle is long and sizeable and donor site morbidity is minimal. A two-team simultaneous approach is possible. When a lower abdominal flap is not available or not indicated, and if the patient has saddle bags on the lateral thigh comparable with the size of the breast, anterolateral thigh flap can be considered an alternative to the other second-choice flaps with its versatility and lower donor site morbidity.

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