MUSCLE-SPARING ABDOMINAL FREE FLAPS IN HEAD AND NECK RECONSTRUCTION

Background. Our aim in this retrospective case se- ries was to review the indications, results, and complications of abdominal muscle-sparing free flaps in head and neck cancer reconstruction. Methods. A retrospective review of all head and neck cancer defects reconstructed with abdominal muscle-sparing free tis- sue transfers from 1999 to 2004 was performed. Data collected included patient demographics, etiology and site of the defect, reconstructive technique, flap size, recipient vessels, complica- tions, reconstructive technique, and clinical follow-up.