Myocutaneous flaps: strategy for utilization

The contemporary Head and Neck surgeon has a choice of tissue available for defect closure. Depending on the situation, either traditional or newer means of reconstruction may best fit the patients' needs. More recently described procedures include free flaps (anastomosis by microvascular surgery to a nearby vascular supply) and myocutaneous flaps, a new concept in pedicle transfer. Both of these latter techniques improve and partially supplant, but do not entirely replace other older methods of repair.