Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction

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.

KEYWORD

Anterolateral thigh flap - breast reconstruction - postmastectomy

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