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Recent advances in head and neck free tissue transfer
Jeffrey Markey1, P Daniel Knott, Michael A Fritz
1aDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California bHead and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Summary
Free tissue transfer offers successful head and neck reconstruction. Recent advances in techniques and monitoring enhance outcomes and efficiency for patients undergoing complex reconstructive surgery.
Area of Science:
- Microsurgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Free tissue transfer is a key method for head and neck defect reconstruction after trauma or cancer surgery.
- Microvascular procedures are complex and time-consuming but achieve high success rates (>97%) at experienced centers.
- Research now focuses on improving techniques, expanding applications, and increasing efficiency in these reconstructions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction.
- To highlight innovations that improve reconstructive surgery outcomes and patient quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on free tissue transfer techniques.
- Focus on specific advances in flap utility, fixation methods, and monitoring.
Main Results:
- The anterolateral thigh free flap shows expanded use in soft tissue reconstruction.
- Prefabricated plating enhances fibula free flap use for mandibular reconstruction.
- Venous couplers and advanced postoperative monitoring improve free tissue transfer outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Technological and technical improvements are enhancing reconstructive surgery success rates.
- Advances reduce operative time, morbidity, and improve functional outcomes and patient quality of life.
- Ongoing innovations simplify and advance reconstructive surgery capabilities.
