Adipofascial anterolateral thigh free flap in head and neck reconstruction: a case series
Research article published in The Journal of laryngology and otology (2025)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The adipofascial anterolateral thigh (AF-ALT) free flap represents a versatile technique in head and neck reconstructions, with its applications increasingly broadening. The objective was to detail the novel utilization of the AF-ALT flap in orbital and skull base reconstruction, along with salvage laryngectomy onlay in our case series. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective analysis at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, spanning from July 2019 to June 2023, focusing on patient demographics and reconstructive parameters data. RESULTS: The AF-ALT flap was successfully employed in eight patients (average age 59, body mass index [BMI] 32.0) to repair various defects. Noteworthy outcomes were observed in skull base reconstructions, with no flap failures or major complications over an average 12-month follow-up. Donor sites typically healed well with minimal interventions. CONCLUSION: Our series is the first to report the AF-ALT flap's efficacy in anterior skull base and orbital reconstructions, demonstrating an additional innovation in complex head and neck surgeries.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
The adipofascial anterolateral thigh (AF-ALT) free flap represents a versatile technique in head and neck reconstructions, with its applications increasingly broadening.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This retrospective case series from a single cancer center describes the use of the adipofascial anterolateral thigh (AF-ALT) free flap in head and neck reconstruction across eight patients (average age 59, BMI 32.0), including applications in orbital, anterior skull base, and salvage laryngectomy reconstructions. No flap failures or major complications were observed over an average 12-month follow-up, and donor sites healed well with minimal interventions. The abstract does not mention leeches, leech therapy, venous congestion management, or any leech-related intervention. There is no defensible connection to hirudotherapy or ASH's domain based on the abstract text alone.
Citation
Adipofascial anterolateral thigh free flap in head and neck reconstruction: a case series
Sorrentino JM et al. · The Journal of laryngology and otology, 2025
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