Related Experiment Videos
Omental free flap reconstruction in complex head and neck deformities
Albert Losken1, Grant W Carlson, John H Culbertson
1Divisions of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Center, 1365B Clifton Rd, NE, Atlanta Georgia 30322, USA.
Background:
Microvascular free flaps continue to revolutionize coverage options in head and neck reconstruction. This article reviews our 25-year experience with omental free tissue transfers.
Methods:
All patients who underwent free omental transfer to the head and neck region were reviewed.
Results:
Fifty-five patients were included with omental transfers to the scalp (25%), craniofacial (62%), and neck (13%) region. Indications were tumor resections, burn wound, hemifacial atrophy, trauma, and moyamoya disease. Average follow-up was 3.1 years (range, 2 months-13 years). Donor site morbidities included abdominal wound infection, gastric outlet obstruction, and postoperative bleeding. Recipient site morbidities included partial flap loss in four patients (7%) total flap loss in two patients (3.6%), and three hematomas.
Conclusions:
The omental free flap has acceptable abdominal morbidity and provides sufficient soft tissue coverage with a 96.4% survival. The thickness \and versatility of omentum provide sufficient contour molding for craniofacial reconstruction. It is an attractive alternative for reconstruction of large scalp defects and badly irradiated tissue.