[Free thinning anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects after resection of buccal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of free thinning anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects after resection of buccal carcinoma. METHODS: From January 2012 to April 2015,15 cases with buccal carcinoma received radical resection and immediate reconstruction with free thinning anterolateral thigh flap. The flap size ranged from 8 cm x 6 cm to 12 cm x 8 cm. RESULTS: Flap necrosis happened in one case. The other 14 flaps survived completely with good color and texture. The patients were followed up for 6-36 months with good appearance and function. There was no malfunction on donor site. One case(T3N1M0) died 16 months after operation.1 case(T3N1M0) had local recurrence 8 month later. CONCLUSIONS: The free thinning anterolateral thigh flap has reliable blood supply with minimal morbidity on donor sites. It is a good choice for reconstruction with good cosmetic and functional results.