Abstract: Objective This study was aimed to observe the effects of the application of free perforatorbased chimeric anterolateral thigh flap on patients with composite soft tissue defects after en bloc resection of cancer. Methods Thirtynine patients with composite soft tissue defects after en bloc resection of cancer underwent simultaneous reconstruction with free perforatorbased chimeric anterolateral thigh flap from January, 2011 to July, 2014 were observed. These perforatorbased chimeric anterolateral thigh flaps were designed and harvested based on the marks on skin through preoperative Doppler probing and intraoperative exploration. The appearance and function of both the oral and maxillofacial region and the donor site were observed. Results All the 39 flaps survived. Vascular crisis occurred in three of them 24 h after surgery, but they gradually recovered with treatment. One to four years followup showed satisfying morphology and function of both the acceptingsites and the donor sites. Six patients died of recurrence within 3 years after surgery. Conclusion Good effects can be reached using perforatorbased chimeric anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of the composite soft tissue defects after en bloc resection of cancer in oral and maxillofacial region, which is worthy of application in clinical practice.

Key words: surgical flap, anterolateral thigh flap, perforator, chimeric flap, oral and maxillofacial region