MICROVASCULAR RECONSTRUCTION IN HEAD AND NECK

The deformities of the head or neck are often the result of trauma oncologic resection infection osteoradionecrosis and congenital or developmental pathology. Multiple tissue types that compose the craniofacial region including bone cartilage nerve fat muscle mucosa and varying dermal and epidermal thickness as well the inherently intricate contours of the craniofacial skeleton can complicate reconstruction. The introduction and refinement of free tissue transfer (FTT) combined with microvascular anastomosis allows major ablative defects to be reliably reconstructed with a single operation undertaken at resection. FTT success rates ranging from 94.3% to 99% have generally been reported. However as with any surgical procedure local general and specific complications can be encountered in the perioperative period.However significant advances in microvascular and craniomaxillofacial surgery over the past 50 years have resulted in dramatically improved outcomes. This book throws a light on the various techniques and flaps used in head and neck reconstruction.