Pre-expanded Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap for Phalloplasty

Clin Plast Surg. 2017 Jan;44(1):129-141. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2016.08.004. Epub 2016 Oct 2.

Abstract

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap for phalloplasty is gaining popularity because it avoids the well-known scars of the radial forearm flap. However, scars are not eliminated, just moved to a different location, the thigh, that can for some patients be of great sexual value. Preexpansion of the ALT flap allows primary donor site closure, thus avoiding not only the unsightly appearance of a skin grafted ALT donor site, but also the skin graft donor site scar. Preoperative perforator location by means of computed tomography angiography allows safe expander placement through 2 small remote incisions.

Keywords: ALT flap; LCFA flap; Perforator flap; Phalloplasty; Pre-expanded flap; Skin expansion.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiography
  • Cicatrix
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Penis / blood supply
  • Penis / diagnostic imaging
  • Penis / surgery*
  • Perforator Flap / blood supply*
  • Perforator Flap / surgery
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Thigh / blood supply*
  • Thigh / diagnostic imaging
  • Thigh / surgery
  • Tissue Expansion
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed