Microsurgery and free flaps as indications for the reconstruction of the mouth and pharynx region following tumor resection

This article describes the microsurgical approach of the head and neck team of the Bordet Institute. During a period of 2 1/2 years 35 free flaps, 71 Pectoralis Major and 9 local flaps were performed for oropharyngeal reconstruction. Different types of free flaps were used and analyzed: 15 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous, 8 radial forearm, 1 gastric, 3 jejunum, 2 crista iliaca osteocutaneous, 1 scapular osteomyocutaneous, 3 scapular osteo-muscular of a new type (discovered in our department), 1 serratus anterior muscular and 1 flap composed of 3 others (a latissimus myocutaneous, a serratus anterior and a scapular osteo-muscular flap). 60% of the microvascular anastomoses were performed in a previously heavily irradiated area and none failed. The indications of some of these flaps are discussed and summarized.