A vascular anatomical study of the anterolateral thigh flap in the Vietnamese's adult cadavers. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hung, Ngo Thai; Doan, Le Van; Trung, Vu Huu; Cuong, Nguyen Van
• Is Part Of: Annals of medicine and surgery. Volume 76(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Perforator -- Flap -- Anterolateral thigh flap -- Lateral circumflex femoral artery -- Cadaver; Surgery -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; General Surgery -- Periodicals; Education, Medical -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103416
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-0801

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to confirm the morphometry of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) pedicle and the location of the perforators in the adult Vietnamese population. Material and methods: Forty dissections of the thigh were carried out in 20 Vietnamese dedicate cadavers. Including 13 cadavers were fixed by Formalin and 7 cadavers were fixed by fridge. The number, origin, location of the perforators and the diameter of the ALT pedicles were studied and measured. Results: The length of the thigh was 39.9 ± 2.8 cm. 39/40 cases (97.5%) were a perforator of a 4 cm circle drawn at the midpoint thigh. There were 161 perforators. In 82.7% of perforators were musculocutaneous perforators and 17.3% perforators were septocutaneous perforators. There were 5 types of vascular pedicles. Type 1: the perforators originated from the descending branch were 65%; Type 2: from the oblique branch were 22.5%; Type 3: from the transverse branch were 5%; Type 4: from profunda femoris were 5%; Type5: from femoral artery were 2, 5%. The average length of the flap pedicle was 11.6 ± 2.4 cm, the diameter of the artery was 2.51 ± 0.52 mm, the vein was 2.95 ± 0, 56 mm and 2.18 ± 0, 46. Conclusion: The ALT flap is a constant vascular supply, a long pedicle with a suitable diameter for anastomoses. The ALT can be harvest widely and reliable with a perforator of a 4 cm circle drawn at the midpoint thigh. Highlights: The types of perforators pedicles originating from lateral circumflex femoral artery. Confirm the morphometry and the location of the vascular pedicle of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in the adult Vietnamese population. The ALT flap can be harvested widely and reliable with a perforator of a 4cm circle drawn at the midpoint of the thigh.