Application of free flap in head and neck surgery / 中国医师进修杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of reconstruction by using free flap after operation of head and neck tumor. Method A retrospective review was performed of 36 cases who were operated with free flap to reconstruct postoperative defects in head and neck tumor from March 2007 to March 2009, 28 cases repaired by free anterolateral thigh(ALT) flap, 8 cases repaired by free forearm flap. Results The operations of 26 cases repaired with free ALT flap were successful, 2 cases were necrosis. Vascular pedicle flap was 8-18 cm long, mean 12.5 cm, 25 cases were muscle skin perforator, 3 cases were muscle clearance wear. Eight cases of free forearm flap were successful. All of 36 cases recovered well. Conclusions The successful rate of free flap is perfect, and there is no serious complication in doner-site. The flap can be shaped into various forms. Free flap is an ideal measure to reconstruct hypopharynx and to preserve the laryngeal function.