Adipofascial Anterolateral Thigh Flap Safety: Applications and Complications

Background A thinned anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is often harvested to achieve optimalskin resurfacing. Several techniques have been described to thin an ALT flap including anadipocutaneous flap, an adipofascial flap and delayed debulking.Methods By systematically reviewing all of the available literature in English and French, thepresent manuscript attempts to identify the common surgical indications, complications anddonor site morbidity of the adipofascial variant of the ALT flap. The studies were identifiedby performing a systematic search on Medline, Ovid, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database ofSystematic Reviews, Current Contents, PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar.Results The study selection process was adapted from the Preferred Reporting Items forSystematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, and 15 articles were identified usingthe study inclusion criteria. These articles were then reviewed for author name(s), year ofpublication, flap dimensions and thickness following defatting, perforator type, type of transfer,complications, thinning technique, number of cases with a particular area of application anddonor site morbidity.Conclusions The adipofascial variant of the ALT flap provides tissue to fill large defects andimprove pliability. Its strong and safe blood supply permits adequate immediate or delayeddebulking without vascular complications. The presence of the deep fascia makes it possibleto prevent sagging by suspending and fixing the flap for functional reconstructive purposes(e.g., the intraoral cavity). Donor site morbidity is minimal, and thigh deformities can bereduced through immediate direct closure or liposuction and direct closure. A safe bloodsupply was confirmed by the rate of secondary flap debulking.