Free Flap Donor Sites in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Abstract

Microvascular free tissue transfer, also referred to as free flaps surgery, is a reconstructive technique that has become a foundational component of complex head and neck reconstruction. There have been considerable advancements in the field over the last 30 years including the number and variety of free flaps. Each of these free flaps has unique characteristics that must be considered for the defect when selecting a donor site. Here, the authors focus on the most common free flaps used in head and neck reconstruction.

Keywords: Free flap; Head and neck; Head and neck reconstruction; Microvascular free tissue transfer; Microvascular reconstruction.