title: Selection of recipient vessels in microsurgical free tissue reconstruction of head and neck defects.
abstract: The development of microsurgical techniques has facilitated proper management of extensive head and neck defects and deformities. Bone or soft tissue can be selected to permit reconstruction with functional and aesthetic results. However, for free tissue transfer to be successful, proper selection of recipient vessels is as essential as the many other factors that affect the final result. In this article selection strategies for recipient vessels for osteocutaneous free flaps, soft tissue free flaps, previously dissected and irradiated areas, recurrent and subsequent secondary reconstructions, simultaneous double free flap transfers in reconstruction of extensive composite head and neck defects, and the selection of recipient veins are reviewed in order to provide an algorithm for the selection of recipient vessels for head and neck reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Izzet Baysal Medical Faculty, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey. sukruyazar@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Sukru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yazar
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*