The use of cervical flaps from irradiated necks in immediate reconstruction

The use of cervical flaps for immediate reconstruction after operation in twenty-one patients in whom the neck received 4,000 to 6,000 r six weeks prior to operation is reported. Successful repair was achieved in a majority of these patients. We conclude that such flaps can be safely used imost instances, assuming they are designed to achieve maximum blood supply or are in an area that received minimal radiation exposure. We recommend this approach only when the radiation given is part of a course of previously planned, integrated therapy combining radiation and operation and when the major portion of the flap has not been exposed to more than 4,000 r.