Outcomes and Clinical Applications of Thin Free Antero Lateral Thigh Flaps for Soft Tissue Defects | ||
| The Egyptian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 03 June 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejprs.2025.390302.1431 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Ahmad Mahmoud Mohamed* 1; Samia Saied2; Ahmed Gaber Abdelmegeed3; amr elsayed ali4 | ||
| 1Plastic sirgery department faculty of medicine Sohag university egypt | ||
| 2Sohag Faculty of Medicine | ||
| 3Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University | ||
| 4Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Unit; Assiut University Hospital; Assiut; Egypt. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Reconstructive surgery has evolved from focusing solely on functional restoration to incorporating aesthetic outcomes, driven by advances in surgical techniques and patient-centered care. Thin free flaps have emerged as a key innovation, offering improved contour, reduced bulk, and enhanced patient satisfactionAesthetic reconstruction using thin flaps for post-traumatic soft-tissue defects showed a high rate of flap survival and overall patient satisfaction. Despite some postoperative complications like venous congestion, infection, and scarring, most were managed successfully with minimal long-term impact. suggesting that debulking procedures may improve aesthetic outcomes in select cases. The study underscores the importance of timely intervention, meticulous surgical technique, and comprehensive follow-up for optimal results.: it is prospective case series of 20 patients with post-traumatic soft-tissue defects treated at Assiut and Sohag University Hospitals between May and November 2023. Preoperative assessment involved history, imaging, and perforator mapping via hand held dopler. Postoperative follow-up and statistical analysis were conducted accordingly.Complications included venous congestion in 2 cases, both successfully treated with venous reanastomosis and hematoma removal. Two cases developed infections and edge flap necrosis, managed with antibiotics and skin grafting. Hypertrophic scarring was observed in 2 patients, one of whom developed a keloid. Other minor issues included itching and hyperpigmentation. Donor site closure was achieved using split-thickness skin grafts in 15 cases and primary closure in 5. Hospital stays ranged from 1 to 2 weeks, with a follow-up period of 6 months. Patient satisfaction At 6 months postoperatively, most patients reported high satisfaction with the functional outcomes of the thin free ALT flap, with 90% noting improved ability. Aesthetic satisfaction was also favorable, particularly regarding the appearance of the reconstructed area (75%). However, satisfaction with the donor site was lower, with only 65% of patients expressing contentment. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| thin; free; flaps | ||
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