Use of Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap and Free Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction: Comparison of Complications and Costs

Abstract

Free anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) are well-defined flaps frequently used to reconstruct head and neck defects. Our study aimed to compare the advantages and disadvantages of these flaps regarding esthetics, complications, and cost burden. The authors retrospectively evaluated 10 patients who applied to our clinic between January 2016 and December 2021 and required free flap reconstruction for the defect in the head and neck region. The first group consisted of 5 patients with ALT flaps, and the second group had 5 patients with LDMF flaps. The average cost burden of the first group was calculated as 18,373 TL, and the second group’s was 23,362 TL. Our study found that the cost and complication rates were statistically higher in the LDMF flap group, and using an ALT flap was more reasonable due to its advantages.