Lateral thigh free flap for head and neck reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Head and neck defects often require complex reconstructive solutions.
• Free flap reconstruction offers a viable option for restoring function and form.
• The lateral thigh free flap is a less commonly discussed but potentially valuable reconstructive tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the technique of lateral thigh free flap reconstruction in head and neck surgery.
• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of this procedure in a series of patients.
• To assess flap reliability, versatility, and complication rates.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 58 head and neck defect reconstructions using lateral thigh free flaps.
• Data collected included patient demographics, defect type, and donor/recipient site complications.
• Analysis focused on flap success rates and morbidity.

Main Results:

• Fifty-eight lateral thigh free flaps were used for head and neck reconstruction between 1984 and 1997.
• The majority of reconstructions (43) were for pharyngoesophageal defects, with a 97.6% success rate.
• Overall flap failure rate was low (1.7%), with minimal donor-site complications (6.9%).

Conclusions:

• The lateral thigh free flap is a reliable and versatile option for head and neck reconstruction.
• The procedure is associated with low donor-site morbidity.
• This flap technique is well-suited for various head and neck defects, including complex pharyngoesophageal reconstructions.