title: Microvascular Reconstruction: Evidence-Based Procedures.
abstract: Microvascular free tissue transfer is the best modality of replacing composite tissue defects with composite vascularized tissue. Wound healing, functional reconstruction, rehabilitation, and cosmesis are best accomplished when the tissue defect is replaced by free tissue. The reconstructive tissue can be tailored to the defect and is harvested from outside the often radiated pretreated reconstructive field. Evidence to support the use of free tissue transfer in head and neck defects is not of the highest level. This article reviews the postoperative monitoring of free tissue transfer, lateral mandibular reconstruction (fibula vs radial forearm), and functional outcomes with free tissue transfers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, University of Pennsylvania, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Steven B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Cannady
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lamarre
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road PV-01, Portland, OR 97239, USA. Electronic address: waxm@ohsu.edu.
authors.forename: Mark K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Wax
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D055806:Microvessels / Q000601:surgery*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Free flap; Functional outcome; Mandible; Monitoring; Reconstruction