[Tubed pedicle flap in the head-neck area from a current viewpoint]

After a review of the biological fundamentals of tubed pedicle flap plasty by advantages and disadvantages as well as the techniques of formation of flaps, transplantation of flaps and migration of flaps are discussed. Furthermore the pedicle flap of fat is presented. Today the skin flaps of the postero-lateral cervical region are of great practical importance due to the fact that they are commonly used both for reconstructive surgery of face burns and of the auricle, and for closure of tumor defects in the oral cavity. In the age of microvascular surgery and the formation of myocutaneous flaps the flap has kept its definite indication, especially for the repair of greater defects of the face, oral cavity and congenital facial hemiatrophy. The repair consists of the replacement of missing subcutaneous fat.