BACKGROUND: Large, ulcerating tumors of the chestwall require soft tissue coverage after resection. Depending on size and location usually a latissimus dorsi flap, VRAM or TRAM flap is performed. In very large defects a combined split ALT/TFL flap is a new technique for coverage. PATIENT AND METHODS: In 4 patients (3 female, 1 male) a soft tissue reconstruction after tumor resection was necessary. The mean age was 54 years. The mean size of the defect was 656 cm(2). RESULTS: In 3 cases the coverage was achieved by a unilateral, and in 1 case a bilateral combined split ALT/TFL flap. All flaps healed without flap loss. The donor site closure was achieved primarily in 2 cases. In 3 cases a small split skin graft was needed. CONCLUSION: The indications for combined split ALT/TFL flaps are large defects which cannot be covered by one single flap. The combination of these two long-known flaps on one pedicle is a new development.
BACKGROUND: Large, ulcerating tumors of the chestwall require soft tissue coverage after resection. Depending on size and location usually a latissimus dorsi flap, VRAM or TRAM flap is performed. In very large defects a combined split ALT/TFL flap is a new technique for coverage. PATIENT AND METHODS: In 4 patients (3 female, 1 male) a soft tissue reconstruction after tumor resection was necessary. The mean age was 54 years. The mean size of the defect was 656 cm(2). RESULTS: In 3 cases the coverage was achieved by a unilateral, and in 1 case a bilateral combined split ALT/TFL flap. All flaps healed without flap loss. The donor site closure was achieved primarily in 2 cases. In 3 cases a small split skin graft was needed. CONCLUSION: The indications for combined split ALT/TFL flaps are large defects which cannot be covered by one single flap. The combination of these two long-known flaps on one pedicle is a new development.
Authors: K Riedel; T Kremer; H Hoffmann; J Pfannschmidt; P Reimer; H Dienemann; G Germann; M Sauerbier Journal: Chirurg Date: 2008-02 Impact factor: 0.955