Mayo Clinic Experience with Unfavorable Results After Free Tissue Transfer to Head and Neck.
Free tissue transfer to the head and neck in the modern era has a high success rate. To maximize success with reconstructive surgery in the head and neck region, it helps to understand those factors that present unique challenges. These factors include contamination by the upper aerodigestive tract, tissue mobility, and a high percentage of patients receiving radiotherapy for oncologic treatment. This article reviews the authors' experience in the head and neck, specifically how addressing these factors can best lead to successful functional and aesthetic outcomes. The authors share surgical techniques and lessons learned from their successes and failures.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 5777 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA.
Thomas H
TH
Nagel
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 5777 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA. Electronic address: hayden.richard@mayo.edu.
Richard E
RE
Hayden
D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000098:blood supply; D006257:Head / Q000601:surgery; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*
Free flap; Head and neck reconstruction; Microsurgery; Salvage