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Use of the latissimus dorsi flap in head and neck reconstructive microsurgery
Author(s) -
Papadopoulos Othon N.,
Gamatsi Irene E.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.1920150711
Subject(s) - medicine , microsurgery , surgery , head and neck , latissimus dorsi muscle , free flap , anastomosis , resection , reconstructive surgery , stage (stratigraphy) , paleontology , biology
Reconstructive surgery of the head and neck has particularly benefited from the rapid developments in microsurgery. Resection of tumours from the head and neck which are associated with serious physical and psychological problems, or which often require multiple reconstructive procedures, can now be performed as a single‐stage procedure with good oncological and functional results. The present series reports on the treatment of 12 primary or recurrent malignant tumours of the head and neck using the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap. Complications consisted of two venous thromboses which required revision of the anastomoses. The oncological and functional results were good, while the aesthetic outcome was fair. We conclude that the latissimus dorsi muscle or musculocutaneous free flap is the method of choice to repair wide defects of the head and neck following the resection of malignant tumours. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.