Volumetric changes of the anterolateral thigh free flap following adjuvant radiotherapy in total parotidectomy reconstruction

Abstract

In this prospective study we observed an 8% volume loss in anterolateral thigh free flaps 6 months postradiotherapy. This loss of volume should be taken into account when reconstructing large defects of the face and lateral skull base. Intraoperative water displacement measurement is a useful adjunctive tool for shaping free tissue transfers that are to be used for volume replacement and soft-tissue fill-in.