The contribution of microsurgical reconstruction to craniofacial surgery

Craniofacial surgery has revolutionized the surgical treatment of congenital anomalies affecting the facial and cranial skeleton. Similar techniques have since been used in the reconstruction of patients with extensive craniofacial injuries and following craniofacial resection of tumors involving the midface. The application of microsurgical free flaps to some of these craniofacial problems is another significant advance. Microsurgical transfer of deepithelialized skin flaps or omentum will allow the augmentation of soft tissue contour defects of the face in patients with hemifacial microsomia and Romberg's progressive facial hemiatrophy. Following craniofacial resection of extensive tumors of the midface, microsurgical free flaps and vascularized bone grafts will provide soft tissue coverage and, occasionally, both bone and soft tissue composite reconstruction of the resultant defect. Finally, intracranial infection, following craniofacial surgery and neurosurgical excision of tumors involving the skull base, may be effectively prevented by separation of the dura from the nasopharynx by microsurgical transfer of free muscle flaps and omentum.