OBJECTIVES Due to the complex anatomy and function of the head and neck region, the reconstruction of ablative defects in this area is challenging. In addition, an increasing interest in improving the quality of life of patients and achieving good functional results has highlighted the importance of free flaps. The aim of this study was to summarize the results of free flap reconstruction and s...

BACKGROUND Fasciocutaneous tissue transfer is one of the most common procedures performed in head and neck reconstructive surgery. These composite tissues can be transferred as either a free flap or a pedicled flap. Free tissue transfer has become the reconstructive modality of choice following head and neck oncologic ablation. Synthetic tissue adhesives and hemostatic agents are rapidly gainin...

BACKGROUND The lateral arm flap remains an underused flap, especially as a free flap. In this article, the authors describe the perforator anatomy to optimize flap design and harvest. METHODS Perforator locations were mapped in 12 cadavers (24 arms), and a retrospective review was conducted of 51 patients undergoing lateral arm flap surgery. RESULTS One to three reliable perforators supply ...

BACKGROUND There are national trends of increasing incidence of morbid obesity and autologous breast reconstruction with free tissue transfer from the abdomen. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of free flap breast reconstruction in the morbidly obese population. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted on all patients who underwent transverse rectus abdominis...

Introduction  The temporalis myofascial (TM) is an important reconstructive flap in palate reconstruction. Past studies have shown the temporalis myofascial flap to be safe as well as effective. Free flap reconstruction of palate defects is also a popular method used by contemporary surgeons. We aim to reaffirm the temporalis myofascial flap as a viable alternative to free flaps for palate reco...

Blazed up Herpes zoster lesions have been described in very few patients after free and pedicled flap transfer for reconstructive purpose. Although sensory recovery after flap reconstructions has been studied extensively most studies addressed subjective perceptions of sensation. Objective investigations of spontaneous reinervation of free and pedicled flaps are rare. We would like to present a...

plexus injury. Few studies report the rate of revision surgeries following free functional muscle transfers. We examinedthe reoperation rate and indication for reoperation after primary reconstruction of upper extremity function with a freegracilis transfer after brachial plexus injury.Methods: From 2003-2016, we identified 25 patients who underwent a free functional gracilis ...

OBJECTIVES Majority of patients that undergo total or partial removal of the hypopharynx and cervical oesophagus are oncologic patients. Optimal management of head and neck malignancies requires multimodal therapy including surgical ablation, reconstruction, and adjuvant oncologic therapy. Despite aggressive surgical and adjuvant therapy, a five-year survival rate is achieved only in 25-35 %. ...

BACKGROUND The aim of lower-extremity reconstruction has focused on wound coverage and functional recovery. However, there are limitations in the use of a local flap in cases of extensive defects of the lower-extremities. Therefore, free flap is a useful option in lower-extremity reconstruction. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of 49 patients (52 cases) who underwent lower-extremit...

BACKGROUND The study aimed to evaluate local and national trends in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) using the national English administrative records, Hospital Episode Statistics. Our prediction was an increase in implant-only and free flap procedures and a decline in latissimus flap reconstructions. METHODS Data from an oncoplastic center were interrogated to derive numbers of implant-...