Versatility of the anterolateral thigh free flap: the four seasons flap.
Research article published in Eplasty (2012)
Abstract
UNLABELLED: Presented at the following academic meetings:○ 56th Meeting of the Italian Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SICPRE) Fasano (Brindisi), Italy, September 26-29, 2007○ 42nd Meeting of the European Society for Surgical Research (ESSR), Warsaw, Poland, May 21-24, 2008○ Winter Meeting, British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, (BAPRAS) London, December 1-3, 2009BACKGROUND: The anterolateral free flap has become increasingly popular at our institution year on year. We decided to review our experience with this flap and study the reasons for this trend. METHODS: A retrospective review of all anterolateral thigh free flaps performed at Addenbrooke's University Hospital from the available charts was carried out. This chart review included patients' demographics, indications, flap size, recipient vessels used, ischemia time, flap, and donor site outcomes. All flap perforator vessels were located preoperatively using a handheld Doppler ultrasound probe. RESULTS: From October 1999 to December 2008, 55 anterolateral thigh flaps were performed in 55 patients to reconstruct a variety of soft-tissue defects (upper and lower limbs, chest wall, skull base, head and neck). Flap size ranged 12 to 35 cm in length and 4 to 11 cm in width. During flap elevation, the main supply to the flap was found to be a direct septocutaneous perforator in 41% (n = 23) of the cases as opposed to a musculocutaneous perforator, which was found in 59% (n = 32). The mean ischemia time was 82 minutes (range, 62-103). The overall flap success rate was 100%. Two flaps were successfully salvaged after reexploration for venous congestion. The donor site morbidity was minimal. The mean follow-up time was 18 months (range, 2-48). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The anterolateral thigh free flap was found to be a very reliable flap (100% success) across a wide range of clinical indications. It facilitates microvascular anastomoses as evidenced by the short ischemia time. It provided ample skin with volume that could be tailored to the defect. These advantages have led to its widespread use by different consultants and trainees in our department.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Versatility of the anterolateral thigh free flap: the four seasons flap.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este artículo presenta una revisión retrospectiva de 55 colgajos libres anterolaterales de muslo realizados en una sola institución a lo largo de casi una década para la reconstrucción de defectos de tejidos blandos en diversas localizaciones anatómicas, encontrando una tasa de éxito del 100% en los colgajos con dos colgajos rescatados tras congestión venosa. Si bien la cirugía de colgajos y la congestión venosa son contextos clínicos en los que las sanguijuelas medicinales se utilizan ocasionalmente como terapia adyuvante para aliviar el compromiso del drenaje venoso, este resumen no menciona en ningún momento las sanguijuelas ni la hirudoterapia. El estudio aborda únicamente la técnica del colgajo, la anatomía de los perforantes y los resultados quirúrgicos. Por lo tanto, no existe una relevancia directa o declarada relacionada con las sanguijuelas en este resumen.
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 28, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026