Lymphatic Distribution and Drainage in the Anterior Lateral Thigh Flap

Since the anterior lateral thigh flap was introduced into clinical practice in 1984, it has been widely applied not only in the repair of skin and soft tissue defects of the head, neck, trunk and limbs, but also in the reconstruction as a part of some organs. Hence, it is known as the "universal flap". Subsequent basic research and clinical applications provided detailed information in the neurovascular supplies of the flap. However, the anatomical features of lymphatic distribution in the flap have never been described in detail. This article aims to provide a detailed explanation of the lymphatic anatomy of the flap based on previous research on the lymphatic system of the lower limb.