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J Reconstr Microsurg 2003; 19(4): 221-224
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-40577
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Versatile Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap: Case of Tailored Reconstruction for a Large Temporal and Parotidectomy Defect

Ferit Demirkan, Sakir Unal, Emrah Arslan, Onur Gurbuz
  • Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Mersin School of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 July 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Perforator flaps have introduced an advance in microsurgical reconstruction, by allowing the design of flaps that are tailored for a specific defect. In this report, the reconstructive technique in a case of temporal squamous-cell carcinoma is presented as an example of this trend. Following wide resection of the skin tumor, superficial parotidectomy was performed as a part of the lymph-node dissection. An anterolateral thigh perforator flap was harvested, including a segment of the vastus lateralis muscle in connection with the skin perforators, to reconstruct both the skin defect and the parotidectomy-related soft-tissue deficit. The muscle segment was reinnervated by the greater auricular nerve to diminish atrophy. The aesthetic result was satisfactory. Minor's starch-iodine test demonstrated prevention of Frey's syndrome. The anterolateral thigh flap is a versatile donor that allows individual variations in design for custom-made flaps.

KEYWORDS

Anterolateral thigh perforator flap - custom-made flaps - specific defects

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