Preoperative angiography in reconstructive microsurgery of the maxillofacial region

The value of preoperative angiography of the donor and recipient sites in the reconstruction of the head and neck is reported. After neck-dissection an angiographic study of the carotid artery is routinely carried out as the vascular anatomy of the donor site can be determined only by angiography once surgery has been carried out. Angiography indicates not only the possible location for the planned microsurgical anastomosis, but also the potential difficulties which can arise from kinking and other changes in the vessel wall. The operative time can be reduced also by better preoperative planning of the best anastomotic sites.