Anchored sutures for fixation of the anterolateral thigh flap and prevention of orocutaneous fistula in oral and oropharyngeal cancer reconstruction.

[OBJECTIVE] This study aims to assess the efficacy of anchored sutures (AS) in securing the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap during oral and oropharyngeal reconstructions, and its impact on the occurrence of orocutaneous fistula (OCF).

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent ALT flap reconstruction in our department in the year 2022. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether the AS technique was used. The incidence of OCF was compared between the two groups, and AS-related complications were reported. Fisher's exact test was employed to assess the differences in baseline characteristics and the incidence of OCF between the two groups.

[RESULTS] The study included 214 patients, with 156 in the conventional suture (CS) group and 58 in the AS group. The incidence of OCF in the AS group was significantly lower compared to that in the CS group (P = 0.039). However, there was a weak correlation between OCF and the AS technique (φ = -0.149). Among the 58 cases in the AS group, three (5.17%) experienced AS-related granuloma (ASRG) as complications.

[CONCLUSION] The use of ALT flap reconstruction with the AS technique reduces the incidence of OCF; however, ASRG may be a potential complication.

[CLINICAL RELEVANCE] This study demonstrates the effectiveness of AS technique in securing ALT flaps, leading to a decreased risk of OCF in oral and oropharyngeal defect reconstruction.