Head and Neck ImagingFree flap
tissue transferred from a body donor site to the head and neck region, with the aim of reconstructing a defect and obtaining a better functional and/or cosmetic result. These flaps are vascularized by local vessels which are anastomosed to the flap by microvascular techniques; a
pedicled flap retains its own
vascular pedicle. Different kinds of free flaps are in use, for example cutaneous flaps to reconstruct defects in the
oral cavity (
Fig.1), osseous flaps (e.g. fibula) to reconstruct mandibular defects, and free jejunal interposition to reconstruct the defect created by a total laryngopharyngectomy.
RH
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Free radial forearm flap (asterisk) for reconstruction of cheek defect after resection of squamous cell carcinoma. Recurrent tumour is seen at the anteromedial margin of the flap (arrowheads).
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Free flap, Fig.1 | |