Unsurpassed Reliability of Free Flaps for Head and Neck Reconstruction

Abstract

Despite their reliance on small-vessel anastomoses for survival, free flaps are extremely reliable with regard to the incidence of flap necrosis, which contributes to a low incidence of perioperative complications. Selection of flaps that have proven dependability contributes to a successful outcome. While this technique frequently requires lengthy surgery in an elderly patient population, the perioperative mortality) and morbidity are acceptable. Because of their unsurpassed reliability, free flaps have become the preferred method of reconstruction for most patients with major defects in the head and neck region.