Cephalic vein transposition in head-and-neck reconstruction

The advent of free flaps has made it possible to undertake increasingly complex reconstructive surgeries. Many of the patients have already undergone extensive prior surgery, primary free flap reconstruction and/or cervical irradiation. These treatments strongly impact anatomy and tissue quality. The reconstructive surgeon may be faced with a situation where the choice of recipient vessels is limited; in 7% of cases, no cervical vessels are available at all. For venous anastomosis, branches of the internal and external jugular vein are preferentially used, but may have been ligated or be unusable. Venous congestion is one of the most common causes of failure in these situations. The cephalic vein has been described as an alternative for second anastomosis in first line, but is rarely used for early free-flap salvage. Based on a case study, the technique of cephalic vein transposition is illustrated for early salvage of a double free flap for head-and-neck reconstruction. This technique is simple, reliable and rapid. It should be part of the armamentarium of the head and neck reconstructive surgeon.