Craniofacial reconstructions: is there still room for locoregional flaps?

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Advanced tumors of the head and neck still have a high prevalence in Brazil. Reconstructing a defect resulting from a craniofacial resection is a challenge for the plastic surgeon. Free flaps are the first choice for these reconstructions, and locoregional flaps have been used in selected cases. The objective of this study was to evaluate a number of reconstructions with locoregional flaps in patients undergoing craniofacial oncologic resection, to demonstrate the applicability of these flaps and the end result of the reconstructions.

Methods:

We retrospectively studied four craniofacial reconstructions with locoregional flaps on the forehead and scalp. The patients were operated at the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pernambuco. They signed a consent form allowing the scientific publication of their photographs and clinical case records.

Results:

All reconstructions were successful. There were no cases of local infection or meningitis, flap necrosis, liquor fistula, or dehiscence. Reconstructions with locoregional flaps were safe and simple to perform for extensive defects in the craniofacial region.

Conclusions:

Plastic surgeons can perform complex reconstructions with locoregional flaps, demonstrating that there is still room for this type of reconstruction.

Keywords:
Head and neck neoplasms; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Microsurgery; Face; Plastic surgery