De-epithelialised anterior (anterolateral and anteromedial) thigh flaps for dead space filling and contour correction in head and neck reconstruction

Anterior (anterolateral and anteromedial) thigh flaps based on the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessels provide a long vascular pedicle and a large flap without sacrificing main vessels and muscles. Twenty-eight de-epithelialised anterior thigh flaps were transferred for reconstruction of head and neck defects following tumour ablation. Two flaps were lost in patients that had previously undergone high-dose radiotherapy following free tissue transfer. Vascularised fibula, vascularised iliac bone and other tissues were combined with anterior thigh flaps in 13 cases utilising the distal end or derivative branches of the vascular pedicle. Salivary fistula was seen in only one case, although there were many minor and major complications. In five cases, double skin flaps were harvested from the ipsilateral thigh. One of these flaps was used for coverage of intraoral defects, while the other was placed in the submandibular area to fill dead space. Compared with other methods, this multi-nap method is considered to be most suitable for dead space filling and contour correction.