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Semin Plast Surg 2020; 34(04): 314-320
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721766
Review Article

Flap Failure and Salvage in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Weitao Wang
1   Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, Texas
,
Adrian Ong
2   Department of Otolaryngology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
,
Aurora G. Vincent
1   Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, Texas
,
Tom Shokri
1   Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, Texas
,
Britney Scott
3   Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Kettering Health Network, Dayton, Ohio
,
Yadranko Ducic
1   Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Worth, Texas
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Abstract

With advanced head and neck ablative surgery comes the challenge to find an ideal reconstructive option that will optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes. Contemporary microvascular reconstructive surgery with free tissue transfer has become the standard for complex head and neck reconstruction. With continued refinements in surgical techniques, larger surgical volumes, and technological advancements, free flap success rates have exceeded 95%. Despite these high success rates, postoperative flap loss is a feared complication requiring the surgeon to be aware of potential options for successful salvage. The purpose of this article is to review free flap failure and ways to optimize surgical salvage in the scenario of flap compromise.

Keywords

free flap - complication - failure - salvage


Publication History

Article published online:
24 December 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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