Surgical Management of Marjolin Ulcer With the Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Introduction. MU is an aggressive entity, and extended surgical resection is the primary treatment. The defects from an MU extended resection need repair using free flaps, of which the ALT free flap is the most common. Objective. This study described the feasibility and application value of the ALT free flap in repairing defects after MU resection. Materials and Methods. Fifteen patients with MU had repairs with ALT free flaps and were treated by the authors’ unit from June 2015 through June 2021. All defects were repaired with 1 ALT free flap except for 1 case that required 2 flaps. Results. The average age of the 11 male and 4 female patients was 52 years (range, 36-71 years). Defect sizes ranged from 8 cm × 5.5 cm to 21 cm × 13.5 cm (mean size, 10.9 cm × 6.5 cm). Flap sizes ranged from 10 cm × 7.5 cm to 23 cm × 15.5 cm (mean size, 12.9 cm × 8.5 cm). All flaps survived completely except for 1 flap in which re-exploration was needed. Conclusions. The individualized ALT free flap may be selected based on the receiving area characteristics and has certain clinical application value in defect repair after MU resection.