Versatility and advantages in the use of perforated flaps in head and neck reconstruction: Case reports.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: It is difficult to pin down a single reconstructive method in head and neck surgery, because these defects are large and challenging. Such a reconstruction must meet functional requirements such as speech, swallowing, cosmetic postoperative results, and the ability to withstand radiotherapeutic treatment. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the versatility and advantages in the use of perforated flaps in head and neck reconstruction in clinical cases of patients who required oncological resection plus reconstruction for head and neck cancer. METHODS: Case series type. RESULTS: 5 flaps were performed: perforated flap based on submental artery, perforated flap based on supraclavicular artery, perforated flap based on transverse cervical artery, perforated flap based on internal mammary perforators, and perforated cervicosubmental flap based on occipital and posterior auricular artery. CONCLUSIONS: The ideal reconstructive method for the head and neck should be a procedure that restores structure and function, with the lowest morbidity, with a shorter hospital stay and the ability to tolerate postoperative radiation. The pedicled perforated flaps are raised close to the defect, do not produce a bulk and have safe, non-random axial irrigation, are quick to lift, safe, thin, versatile and offer functional reconstruction with less donor site morbidity.