Reconstruction of Massive Defects in the Head and Neck: the Role of Simultaneous Distant and Regional Flaps

Background: Massive defects resulting from excision of advanced head and neck tumors may not be amenable to reconstruction using a single technique of tissue transfer. Sixteen patients undergoing reconstruction using simultaneous free flaps and pedicled regional flaps are presented.

Methods: Regional flaps included the pectoralis major, deltopectoral, cervical visor, paramedian forehead, cervicofacial, and nape of neck flaps. Microvascular tissue transfers included the radial forearm, iliac crest, parascapular/latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, fibula, and lateral thigh free flaps.

Results: Most defects involved both aerodigestive mucosa and external cutaneous skin. Mucosal reconstruction was carried out using the soft-tissue component of the free flaps, whereas vascularized bone was used for mandibular reconstruction. Regional flaps were used to reconstruct skin of the face and neck.

Conclusions: When planned and applied in a stepwise fashion, simultaneous free flaps and regional flaps are complimentary for the reconstruction of complex wounds in the head and neck.