Personalized Strategies for Head and Neck Reconstruction Using Pedicled Flaps
Giuseppe Riva, Andrea Canale, Gian Marco Motatto, Virginia Talamelli, Marco Briguglio, Alice Bordin, Teodros Veronesi, Giancarlo Pecorari

TL;DR
This study examines the use of pedicled flaps for head and neck reconstruction when free flaps are not suitable, finding that they remain a viable option with low complication rates.
Contribution
The study provides a detailed analysis of pedicled flap strategies and complication rates in head and neck reconstruction.
Findings
Pectoralis major flaps were most commonly used for tongue and hypopharyngeal reconstruction.
Pedicled flaps had low complication rates, including 11.6% partial flap necrosis and 12.5% wound dehiscence.
Pharyngeal stenosis occurred in only 0.9% of cases, indicating good functional outcomes.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In recent decades, free flaps have emerged as the gold standard for head and neck reconstruction. However, their use is contraindicated in some cases due to advanced age and/or comorbidities. In such patients, a pedicled flap may be considered. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate strategies for head and neck reconstruction using pedicled flaps in the era of free flaps. Furthermore, the complication rate was analyzed. Methods: Patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction with pedicled flaps were included. The following flaps were considered: the pectoralis major (PMF), deltopectoral, platysma, frontal, temporal, nasolabial, supraclavicular artery island (SCAIF), infrahyoid, sternocleidomastoid, buccal fat pad, and facial artery myomucosal flap (FAMM). Patients’ characteristics, flap type, recipient sites, and flap-related complications were…
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Taxonomy
TopicsReconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques · Reconstructive Facial Surgery Techniques · Cleft Lip and Palate Research
