title: Microsurgical free flap in head and neck reconstruction.
abstract: Microsurgical free flaps are today considered state of the art in head and neck reconstruction after composite tumor resections. Free flaps provide superior functional and aesthetic restoration with less donor-site morbidity. This article details our approach to this challenging and complex procedure. Free tissue transfer can be viewed as consisting of 4 essential stages: (1) defect assessment, (2) preparation of recipient vessels, (3) flap selection and harvest, and (4) flap inset and microsurgical anastomoses. The essential details of each step are highlighted. Meticulous attention to each step is important because each plays a crucial role in the overall success of the procedure. Workhorse flaps in our practice are the anterolateral thigh, radial forearm, fibula, and jejunum flaps. Unique issues related to postoperative care and monitoring of head and neck free flaps are discussed. The management of complications, in particular those threatening flap survival, are reviewed in detail.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical College, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chin-Ho
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Fu-Chan
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Wei
mesh_terms: D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006085:Graft Survival; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000379:methods; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology