Recently, anterolateral thigh perforator flap is preferred to use for reconstruction after cancer abrasion. The perforators and pedicle vessels of anterolateral thigh flap have a wide range of anatomical variations. We have utilized color Doppler and power Doppler ultrasonography to detect perforators for the design of anterolateral thigh flaps. Forty-four of forty-five patients could detect the perforators using color Doppler and power Doppler ultrasonography (TOSHIBA AplioSSA-770 with 12 MHz scan head) preoperatively. We scanned the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the perforators, classified perforators by the course they run. We mapped the points where perforators penetrated through the fascia lata, and compared them with intraoperative findings. Intraoperatively, we detected the perforators corresponding the preoperative findings for 27/29 patients. In the axial view, we could distinguish between septocutaneous perforators and intramuscular perforators. Many perforators were existed from 35% to 40% between anterior inferior iliac spine and superior edge of patella. Almost all cases, we were able to harvest the flaps successfully as planned. Preoperative color Doppler and power Doppler ultrasonography is helpful for planning and harvesting anterolateral thigh flaps.
