ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has become an important tool in the microsurgical reconstruction of cutaneous and subcutaneous defects. Since the ALT flap can be up to 35 cm long, it can be used in both, esophageal reconstruction and cervical skin defects.
Case Report:
Patient C. S. M., a 57-year-old woman, presented with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and underwent radiotherapy and a total laryngectomy followed by reconstruction by primary closure. However, she developed a postoperative complication due to the formation of a cervical esophagocutaneous fistula that required four surgical procedures to ensure permanent closure. The latter procedure consisted of the creation of a microsurgical ALT flap to correct the esophagocutaneous fistula, the subject of this report.
Conclusions:
The microsurgical ALT flap has extensive applications in various fields based on the following characteristics: reliable vascularization, long and broad vascular pedicle (at least 8 cm long), an extensive and easily delimited flap region, the possibility of reducing the primary flap thickness to 3-5 mm without compromising its vascularization, the possibility of a simultaneously dual approach because of the distance between the donor and recipient site, and the possibility of primary closure without the need for skin grafting. The case report presented in this study emphasizes the possibility of the use of a microsurgical ALT sandwich flap to correct a high output esophagocutaneous fistula.
Keywords:
Reconstruction; Microsurgery; Fistula; Esophagus
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
