title: [Free flap reconstruction in the head and neck. Indications, technical aspects and outcomes].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of microvascular free flaps (MFF) has become a common method of head and neck reconstruction because of its high success rates and better functional results. We report our experience in reconstructing complex defects with MFF.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analysed a series of 246 patients that underwent reconstruction using MFF in our Department from 1991 to 2013.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 259 interventions performed in 246 patients. The most common reason for surgery was tumour recurrence (46%), followed by primary tumour resection (25%). The hypopharynx (52%) and the craniofacial region (22%) were the most frequently reconstructed sites. The free flaps most commonly used were the radial forearm free flap (41%) and the anterolateral thigh free flap (35%). Overall success and complication rates of 92% and 20% respectively were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The microvascular free flap is a reliable and useful tool for reconstructing complex head and neck defects and continues to be the reconstructive modality of choice for these defects.
authors: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España. Electronic address: llorentependas@telefonica.net.
authors: José Luis
authors: JL
authors: Llorente
authors: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España.
authors: Fernando
authors: F
authors: López
authors: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España.
authors: Vanessa
authors: V
authors: Suárez
authors: Servicio de Cirugía Plástica, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España.
authors: Angel
authors: A
authors: Fueyo
authors: Servicio de Cirugía Plástica, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España.
authors: Susana
authors: S
authors: Carnero
authors: Servicio de Cirugía Plástica, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España.
authors: Clara
authors: C
authors: Martín
authors: Servicio de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapia del Dolor, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España.
authors: Victoria
authors: V
authors: López
authors: Servicio de Cirugía Plástica, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España.
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Camporro
authors: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España.
authors: Carlos
authors: C
authors: Suárez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Colgajos libres; Free flaps; Head and neck reconstruction; Hypopharynx reconstruction; Reconstrucción de cabeza y cuello; Reconstrucción de la base de cráneo; Reconstrucción de la hipofaringe; Skull base reconstruction