[Use of a free antero-lateral thigh flap for two-stage reconstruction of a large thoracic defect]

Abstract

In case of extremely large thoracic full-thickness defects where no pedicled flap is available, very large free flaps are sometimes the only options. Dealing with such full-thickness defects where failure of the flap could be lethal, Servant and al described the concept of "two stage free flap" using Latissimus Dorsi muscular or myocutaneous flap. We present a reconstruction of a wide right posterior trunk radionecrosis with exposure of an underlying infected prosthesis using this two-stage free flap strategy with a fasciocutaneous antero-lateral thigh flap.

Keywords: Antero-lateral thigh flap; Free flap; Lambeau antéro-latéral de cuisse; Lambeau libre; Perte de substance thoracique; Reconstruction thoracique; Thoracic reconstruction; Thorax defect.