Anterolateral Thigh Flap Reconstruction of Full Thickness Buccal Defect

Abstract

Objective: To present our experience with the anterolateral thigh flap in reconstructing a full thickness defect of the buccal mucosa and cheek. Methods: Design: Case Report Setting: Tertiary Private Hospital Patient: One Results: A 36 year old male with a T4aN0M0 Stage IVa buccal carcinoma on the left underwent wide excision, marginal mandibulectomy and modified radical neck dissection with preservation of the spinal accessory nerve, internal jugular vein and sternocleidomastoid muscle. The resultant through-and-through defect of the cheek skin measuring 8 x 6cm and buccal mucosa measuring 6 x 10 cm with a concomitant ¼ upper lip and 1/3 lower lip defect was reconstructed with an anterolateral thigh free flap. The patient recovered uneventfully and underwent adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy 1 month post-operation. At 2 ½ months post-operation, he had no oral incontinence and could resume a normal diet with good speech. Conclusion: The anterolateral thigh free flap is an excellent soft-tissue flap for reconstruction of a full thickness defect of the buccal area. Key words: Surgical flap, Carcinoma, squamous cell, Oral cancer

Keywords

• Surgical flap
• Carcinoma, squamous cell
• Oral cancer