ABSTRACT
More women than ever before are undergoing mastectomies secondary to increased awareness
and screening. This has also caused a corresponding increase in the number of breast
reconstructions requested each year. The demand for improved results has fueled recent
advances in new techniques. Aside from implant reconstruction, the methods now being
employed are related to autogenous donations and reconstruction. Currently, the most
commonly used techniques for autogenous breast reconstruction are the DIEP (deep inferior
epigastric perforator) and TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flaps from
the lower abdomen.
The anterolateral thigh flap is a type of perforator flap usually described for use
in head and neck reconstruction. The authors have discovered this flap's utility as
an alternative in autogenous breast reconstruction when the abdomen is not available
as a donor site. A review of the literature reveals a dearth of experience in using
the anterolateral thigh flap for breast reconstruction. The article reviews the literature
with regard to current uses of the anterolateral thigh flap, and then reports three
case studies which highlight the thigh flap as an excellent alternative for breast
reconstruction in selected patients.
KEYWORD
Autogenous breast reconstruction - thigh flap - perforator flap
