The extended lateral arm free flap for head and neck reconstruction: the Yale experience

The lateral arm free flap (LAFF) has been chosen by some head and neck reconstructive microsurgeons to be their fasciocutaneous free flap of choice. The qualities of this flap have been suggested to include its consistent vascular anatomy, its thin and pliable nature, and its reinnervation capabilities, as well as its low donor site morbidity and ease of closure. During the past year we have performed 14 head and neck reconstructions using the extended LAFF (ELAFF). We present our indications for its use and review its shortcomings. Although the ELAFF does have its limitations, including variability in its flap thickness and donor vessel size, it unquestionably is an important flap in head and neck reconstruction and is our flap of choice for soft tissue reconstruction.