J Reconstr Microsurg 2009; 25(3): 191-195
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1103508
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Reconstruction of Head and Neck Cancer with Double Flaps: Comparison of Single and Double Recipient Vessels

Pao-Yuan Lin1 , Yur-Ren Kuo1 , Chih-Yen Chien2 , Seng-Feng Jeng1
  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital – Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan
  • 2Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital – Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
11 December 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Patients with advanced head and neck cancers require reconstruction with a double free flap, but in some situations, it is extremely difficult to attain the ideal set of recipient vessels for these patients. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 had one recipient vessel; group 2 had two recipient vessels. Fifty-five patients were enrolled between 2001 and 2005. Double flaps, including a fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap and an anterolateral thigh flap, were used for the reconstruction. In group 1, the second flap was anastomosed at the distal runoff of the fibular flap. Group 1 contained 39 patients and group 2 had 16 patients. No significant differences in the success rate, operating time, days of hospitalization, or complication rate were noted between groups 1 and 2. Thus using one recipient vessel is our first choice for double free-flap reconstruction for head and neck defects.

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Dr. Seng-Feng JengM.D. 

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital – Kaohsiung Medical Center

123 Ta-Pei Road, Niao-Sung Hsiang, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan

Email: lin.a0708@msa.hinet.net