[Free flaps for large reconstructions following tumoral resections in the head and neck]

The treatment of 21 patients who had cranio-facial reconstructions for extensive malignancies is reviewed. Microsurgical flaps obtained from latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, greater omentum and para-scapular regions were used. Good results were obtained in 86% of cases. Three flaps were lost in this series due to thrombosis of the microvascular anastomoses. Donor site morbidity occurred in only one case in which a dehiscence required a re-suture.