title: [15 years experience with microvascular free tissue transfert for repair of head and neck cancer defects].
abstract: We present the modalities and results obtained with free flap reconstruction of head and neck cancers defects. This retrospective review of 165 free transfers performed between 1984 and 1999 included 89 radial forearm flaps (54%), 38 latissimus dorsi flaps (23%), 28 osteomyocutaneous flaps (17%), 6 omentum flaps (4%), 2 jejunum flaps, and 2 cutaneous scapular flaps. Indications were orobuccopharynx (34%), hypopharynx (24%), mandible (17%), craniofacial (15%) and skin (10%) defects. Flap failure rate was 9%. Reconstruction of a radiated site was a statistically significant indicator of flap failure. Four types of free flaps were preferred for reconstruction of head and neck cancer defects. The radial forearm flap was used as a lap flap for the orobuccopharynx, the tubuled radial forearm flap for reconstruction of the digestive tract after total pharyngolaryngectomy, the osteomyocutaneous free fibular flap for pelvimandibulectomy, especially for the anterior arch, the latissimus dorsi flap to fill craniofacial defects, and the free omentum flap for craniofacial complications after radiotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Service ORL, HIA Sainte Anne, Pr P de Rotalier, Toulon, France.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bizeau
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Guelfucci
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giovanni
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gras
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Casanova
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zanaret
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000601:surgery*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps