Microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck cancer patient

Surgical resection of cancer of the head and neck often results in significant functional and cosmetic deformity. Reconstruction of these deficits have often been inadequate to reintegrate these patients into daily life. Recent advances in microsurgical techniques, however, have ushered in a new era for reconstruction following head and neck cancer ablative surgery. Microvascular free tissue transfers have made possible the reconstruction of major head and neck defects that previously were not possible as well as markedly improving function and cosmesis. Successful reconstruction requires close cooperation between the head and neck ablative surgeon as well as the reconstructive surgeon. We describe four different microvascular flap techniques which we have used for head and neck cancer reconstruction to illustrate some of the many applications of these microvascular flaps.