Repair of defect induced by removal of body surface oversized malignancy with free anterolateral femoral skin flap

Objective To study the clinical efficacy of free anterolateral femoral skin flap on the repair of skin and subcutaneous soft tissue defects caused by excision of oversized malignant tumour in the skin. Methods A retrospective review was performed of free anterolateral femoral skin flap reconstructions for oversized malignant tumor cut on body surface since April 2007 to November 2010. There were 6 patients with head and limb squamous cell carcinoma because of bum scar and 3 patients with recurrence of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in wall of belly. The area of soft tissue defects ranged from 19 cm × 15 cm to 24 cm × 21 cm, and skin flaps was 20 cm × 16 cm to 25 cm × 22 cm in size. Three cases received radio therapy after operation. Results Nine flaps survived perfectly, one flap survived with partial necrosis and healed after changing dressings. No complications were observed in the donor site, including wound dehiscence, hernia and weakness. Follow-up survey of 12-24 months after the operation showed that the appearance and function in the repaired sites were normal, and norecurrence of the tumors. Conclusion Free transplantation of anterolateral femoral skin flap is relatively an ideal operative type for the repair of soft tissue defects caused by excision of oversized malignant tumour in the skin. Key words: Anterolateral femoral skin flap;  Body surface oversized malignant tumor;  Transplatation; Microsurgery