Introduction In 1904, Wiilstein, in Germany, reported the first case of a jejunal flap. He used the jejunum as a pedicled flap to reconstruct the thoracic esophagus. In 1907, Roux, in France, described a successful staged reconstruction of the esophagus…
Introduction The rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) flap and its variations are some of the most important flaps used in reconstructive surgery. Its popularity is explained by the location of its skin island in the inferior abdomen, which results in a…
Introduction The omentum flap was one of the first free flaps reported in the literature but long before that, its use as pedicled flap for intra- and extra-abdominal reconstructions was well described. The popularity of the omentum flap has been…
Introduction The deltopectoral (DP) fasciocutaneous flap, also known as the Bakamjian flap, is an important reconstructive tool that has been used for a wide variety of reconstructive problems in head and neck surgery. A variation of this flap that is…
Introduction The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for reconstruction was first described in 1968. Its application in the head and neck region, however, was not reported until Ariyan's publication in 1979. The reliability and versatility of this flap were subsequently confirmed…
Introduction The supraclavicular flap was reported first by Lamberty in 1979. The flap was not reported on further until Pallua reported its use in cases of neck contracture reconstruction in 1997. Since that time, the flap has been widely used…
Introduction The temporoparietal fascia flap (TPFF) is the thinnest, most pliable flap in the body, and can be used for moderate sized defects of up to 12 × 14 cm. The TPFF is highly vascularized and has a reliable arterial and venous pedicle.…
Introduction Over the years, numerous local flaps have been utilized for closure of facial defects. Owing to the robust blood supply of the facial soft tissues, many local flaps have been based on the dermal and subdermal capillary circulation and…
Introduction A failed free flap is a challenge for every microsurgeon no matter how experienced. When a flap is lost, the patient and family are disappointed, and disturbed over the need for additional surgery. The clinical support staff share a…
Introduction Microsurgical reconstruction with free tissue transfer has become standard practice for plastic surgeons around the world with varied uses and applications. However, perioperative management of these complex patients is diverse. As the understanding of flap physiology and refinement of…