Simultaneous sequential anterolateral thigh free flaps with interposition comitant vein graft for one‐stage lower extremity reconstruction: A case report

Abstract

Developments in the microsurgery have made perforator fasciocutaneous free flaps more popular in lower extremity reconstructions. They have acceptable donor site morbidities when compared to traditional methods. However; there are some possible limitations with these flaps such as anatomical variations and insufficiency to cover large and/or complex defects with a single flap. Anterolateral thigh flap (ALT), which has proven its advantages in the reconstruction of many regions of the body, is one of the versatile perforator fasciocutaneous flap options. We present our experience of using sequential double ALTs for complex lower extremity reconstruction. A 44‐year‐old patient, who had a history of multiple traumas as a result of a traffic accident, had interconnected anterior tibial (6 × 4 cm) and bimalleolar defects (4 × 4 cm, 4 × 5 cm) in his left lower extremity. Double ALT flaps (16 × 9 cm, 17 × 10 cm) were used to reconstruct three individual defects. The posterior tibial artery was the only uninjured artery perfusing the lower extremity, so the already occluded anterior tibial artery was chosen as the recipient to avoid disturbing the posterior tibial vessels. The dominant comitant vein of one of the flaps was leaving the pedicle too early and following an aberrant path with increased diameter. As it was understood that the other comitant vein had poor drainage, it was taken as an interposition vein graft to lengthen the dominant aberrant vein. The two flaps were customized as one by flow‐through anastomoses on the operating table. The anterior tibial artery was washed and debrided distal to proximal until arterial spurting was seen. At the distance of 8 cm superior, the artery was found as feasible and anastomoses were performed. The proximal flap was inset vertically and the distal flap was inset on the horizontal axis to reach the bilateral malleolar defect. No complications were observed in both flaps. The patient was followed‐up for 8 months. Despite the successful reconstruction, the patient is still unable to walk unaided due to multiple traumas and the rehabilitation process continues. We believe that the use of sequential double ALT may be a useful alternative to reconstruct large lower extremity defects with minimal donor site morbidity when a suitable single recipient vessel is available.