An anterolateral thigh chimeric flap for dynamic facial and esthetic reconstruction after oncological surgery in the maxillofacial region: a case report

BACKGROUND: The surgical management of malignant tumors in the head and neck region often leads to functional and esthetic defects that impair the quality of life of the patients. Reconstruction can be solved with prostheses in these cases, but various types of microsurgical free flaps can provide a better clinical outcome. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report, the tumor and parts of the involved facial muscles and nerve were excised surgically from a 42-year-old patient after a third relapse of basal cell carcinoma in the left midface. The tissue defect was reconstructed with an anterolateral thigh chimeric type I fascio-myocutaneous flap, where the facial palsy was restored with a segmental branch of the femoral nerve and the involved mouth corner elevator muscles for the segmented vastus lateralis muscle. The 6-month follow-up revealed a good esthetic outcome, the soft tissue defect reconstruction with good functional activity of the reconstructed facial nerve and with acceptable mimic movements. There has been no subsequent recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the chimeric type I anterolateral fascio-myocutaneous free flap can offer a good option for the esthetic and functional reconstruction of an extensive tissue defect in the maxillofacial region.