Microvascular free tissue reconstruction following extirpation of head and neck tumour: experience towards an optimal outcome

Abstract

Familiarity with four types of free tissues transfers allows appropriate reconstruction of most defects in the head and neck region functionally and aesthetically. These include jejunal graft, radial forearm, rectus abdominus myocutaneous and bula osteocutaneous aps. Free colonic and gastric patches were used occasionally.We report our experience of 215 free tissue transfers for reconstruction of defects in the head and neck region after tumour extirpation.The overall success rate was 94 per cent. The commonest cause of failure was related to arterial in ow (70 per cent). Three patients died in hospital, but their mortality was not related to the tissue transfers. Complications due to free tissue transfer at both the donor and recipient sites were few and manageable.The co-operation between the two surgical teams, together with the timely application of suitable salvage procedures, contribute to an optimal outcome.

Surgical Techniques and Results of Lateral Thoracic Cutaneous, Myocutaneous, and Conjoint Flaps for Head and Neck Reconstruction

“…Large surgical soft tissue defects of the head and neck region are reconstructed with either pedicle or free flaps. Free flaps are frequently used, with the advantages of more choices of tissues to meet the functional, esthetic, and anatomic requirements including location, surface area, tissue volume, and functional reconstruction 1 . Free flaps, however, have the disadvantage of a 5% to 10% risk of total flap loss.…”

Maxillofacial surgical robotic manipulator controlled by haptic device with force feedback

“…Whereas, it is very difficult to encounter the operation requirements in the traditional maxillofacial surgery due to several technical inadequacy. For maxillofacial surgery proficient surgeons are obligatory having broad experience and understanding around the field of dentistry and medicine [2][3][4][5].…”

Application of lateral thoracic flap in maxillofacial defect reconstruction: Experience with 28 cases

“…Free flaps are used most frequently, offering the advantage of more tissue choices to meet functional, aesthetic, and anatomic requirements such as location, surface area, tissue volume, and functional reconstruction. 1 In China, the forearm flap is the most commonly used regional free flap for major oral and maxillofacial reconstruction, while the anterolateral thigh or rectus flap is more commonly applied in other countries. However, although the free radial forearm flap has been an accepted maxillofacial reconstructive procedure and the flap is considered versatile, the approach is also noted for disadvantages such as poor cosmesis and complications such as hand-wrist dysfunction (e.g., hypoesthesia and poor grip strength).…”