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Porcine As a Training Module for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction
Published on: September 29, 2018
Lateral-arm free flap for reconstruction in the head and neck
M K Wax1, T D Briant, J L Mahoney
1Department of Otolaryngology, West Virginia University Health Science Center South, Morgantown, USA.
Objective:
To describe the role of the lateral-arm free flap in reconstruction of head and neck defects following ablative oncologic surgery and to discuss the anatomy of this flap as well as indications for its use.
Design:
A prospective study of all patients undergoing a lateral-arm free flap was performed. Up to 3 years of follow-up was obtained.
Setting:
Tertiary referral centre.
Method:
A total of 12 lateral-arm free flaps were utilized to reconstruct defects ranging in size from 4 x 7 to 10 x 7 cm. Maximum width of the flap was 7 cm. A mean area of 55 cm2 was harvested.
Main Outcome Measures:
Flap survival, morbidity, speech intelligibility, and oral function and intake were assessed.
Results:
The vascular pedicle was reliable with vessel diameters of 1.5 mm, and length of 6 to 7 cm. All flaps survived, and minimal donor site morbidity was encountered. Nine patients maintained good speech with adequate intelligibility while 10 patients maintained adequate oral intake.
Conclusions:
Functional results can be obtained with the lateral-arm free flap. A consistent pedicle of good length and size was found. It is our flap of choice in older, thinner individuals when the width of the donor site is less than 7 cm, which allows for primary closure.
