Applicability of the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap in complex reconstructions of the abdominal wall in oncology: report of 2 cases

INTRODUCTION: There is a strong commitment in pursuing reconstructive solutions for areas of skin or muscular loss that require covering or stable cavity filling. The anterolateral thigh flap, described in China by Song et al. (1984), is considered by many as the optimal flap in large reconstructions. OBJECTIVE: To report the applicability of the anterolateral thigh flap, as a versatile resource in reconstructions of the abdominal wall. METHODS: Two patients were submitted to tumoral resection of the right colon with invasion of the abdominal wall by a team of oncologic surgeons in conjunction with the plastic surgery team that was responsible for the reconstruction of the abdominal wall. In both cases, the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap was used, which was transposed to the defect after partial resection of the abdominal wall at the same surgical time. A PROCEEDTM surgical mesh was fixed between the abdominal viscera and the flap to reinforce the abdominal wall. RESULTS: Both patients had good postoperative evolution and are in follow-up, with no signs of tumor recurrence and with a good quality of life. CONCLUSION: The anterolateral thigh flap is a useful resource for the reconstruction of the abdominal wall due to large tumor resections in oncology.