Surgical Free Flaps and Grafts in Head and Neck Reconstruction: Principles and Postoperative Imaging

Abstract

This review article discusses the basic principles behind the use of flaps and grafts for reconstructive surgery in the head and neck, with a special emphasis on the types of commonly used free flaps, their imaging appearance as well as some frequently encountered postoperative complications. Given the ubiquity and complexity of these reconstructive techniques, it is essential that head and neck radiologists be familiar in distinguishing between the expected evolving findings, complications, and tumor recurrence.

Keywords: Complications; Head and neck cancer; Head and neck reconstruction; Myocutaneous flaps; Posttreated neck.