[Renaissance of pedicled flaps in oral and maxillofacial surgery]

A retrospective analysis in the period 2007 to 2011 included 71 surgically treated patients for carcinoma of the head and neck region and subsequent reconstruction with 36 pedicled distant flaps and 47 free flaps. Patient specific parameters of data collection with SPSS 17.0 were age and sex distribution, TNM stage and treatment. The specific type of flap reconstruction, duration of surgery, complications, intensive care and inpatient treatment were recorded. The results showed that the healing process was uneventful in 26 (72.2 %) pedicled flaps, 14 (38.9 %) pedicled flaps were transplanted in a preoperatively irradiated area of the head and neck region and in 86.0 % with a positive healing process. Tumor stage, general physical condition of the patient and type of therapy are the key parameters for the choice of reconstruction.