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World Journal of Surgery
Published in: World Journal of Surgery 1/2007

01-01-2007

Blood Perfusion of the Free Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap: Its Beneficial Effect in the Reconstruction of Infected Wounds in the Lower Extremity

Authors: Andreas Gravvanis, MD, PhD, Dimosthenis Tsoutsos, MD, PhD, Dimitrios Karakitsos, MD, Thomais Iconomou, MD, PhD, Othon Papadopoulos, MD, PhD

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 1/2007

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Abstract

Background

In a prospective study, we evaluated the blood perfusion and the blood flow of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap by both near-infrared spectroscopy and color Doppler ultrasonography. Moreover, we assessed the ability of the perforator flap to reconstruct infected wounds of the lower extremity in 11 patients.

Methods

Near-infrared spectroscopy showed excellent oxygen saturation, and Doppler ultrasonography documented excellent blood flow and decreased vascular resistance in the ALT flap postoperatively.

Results

All flaps were successful and all wounds healed uneventfully within 2 weeks without any signs of recurrences or persistent infection. All patients achieved acceptable gait function after rehabilitation.

Conclusions

Apart from the mandatory role of thorough debridement, our results indicate that the ALT flap offers rich blood supply to the recipient area, thus contributing to the sterilization and healing of an infected wound within a short time period.
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Metadata
Title
Blood Perfusion of the Free Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap: Its Beneficial Effect in the Reconstruction of Infected Wounds in the Lower Extremity
Authors
Andreas Gravvanis, MD, PhD
Dimosthenis Tsoutsos, MD, PhD
Dimitrios Karakitsos, MD
Thomais Iconomou, MD, PhD
Othon Papadopoulos, MD, PhD
Publication date
01-01-2007
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
World Journal of Surgery / Issue 1/2007
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-006-0298-8

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