title: [Surgical planes of the head and neck].
abstract: The surgical plane is a plane of dissection that can be used to excise a tumor while preserving most of the neurovascular structures. The majority of skin tumors are situated on the head and neck, and dermatologic surgeons should therefore have detailed knowledge of the surgical anatomy of this region. Fear of damaging important structures may result in insufficient efficacy of the surgical treatment, with consequent risk of persistence or recurrence of the tumor. Knowledge of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and its relationship to key neurovascular structures enables the operation to be planned and will help us to locate the appropriate plane and minimize postoperative complications. The objective of this article is to review the key anatomical features defining suitable planes of dissection in the head and neck, the use of which will ensure survival of flaps and grafts.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Complejo Asistencial de León, España. eliasamaniego@yahoo.es
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Samaniego
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Prada
authors.forename: M Á
authors.initials: MÁ
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Prieto
mesh_terms: D004210:Dissection; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D008022:Ligaments / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009333:Neck / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps