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DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-915203
Patient-Reported Donor-Site Morbidity Following Anterolateral Thigh Free Flaps
Publication History
Accepted: April 13, 2005
Publication Date:
12 August 2005 (online)
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ABSTRACT
This study evaluated donor-site morbidity (retrospective chart review and followup questionnaire) in patients following reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh free flap. Twenty-one flaps were performed in 20 consecutive patients (mean age: 45.0 ± 3.8 years). Primary wound closure was obtained in 52.4 percent. The perforators were intramuscular in 68 percent and septocutaneous in 32 percent. The early complications included infection (n = 2), wound dehiscence (n = 2), delayed healing (n = 8), and seroma (n = 1). Wound healing took 4.5 ± 0.7 weeks, and leg weakness resolved completely (n = 13) by 6.6 ± 2.0 weeks. More chronic complications (n = 19) included weakness (n = 5), pain/tightness (n = 6), contour deformity (n = 14), muscle herniation (n = 6), and unsatisfactory scar appearance (n = 6). No statistically significant differences existed in aesthetics or healing between wound-closure groups, nor in pain or weakness between perforator groups. Pain and weakness were significantly related to sacrifice of the deep fascia from the thigh through its elevation in the flap.
KEYWORDS
Anterolateral flap - donor-site morbidity - fascia - free flap - patient outcome
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Joan E LipaM.D.
Toronto General Hospital, University Hospital Network
Eaton North 7-234, 200 Elizabeth Street
Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada