Bowel obstruction following deep circumflex iliac artery free flap harvesting

The deep circumflex iliac artery flap (DCIA) has been well described as an autograft flap used in head and neck reconstructions, particularly for large maxillary and mandibular defects. Complications, particularly at the donor site, have been well documented. Although it is considered a minor complication, herniation should not be underestimated as it can potentially lead to bowel obstruction, necessitating an emergency operation. We report a case of acute obstruction of the small bowel secondary to herniation at the donor site after harvesting a DCIA free flap for a maxillary defect, a complication that to our knowledge has been reported only once. We review the pathogenesis and possible ways to reduce the likelihood of developing this serious complication.