Reconstruction with Peroneal Free Flap After Ablation of Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

One-stage reconstruction of head and neck defects following radical surgery was performed for two patients with the peroneal flaps which had the peroneal artery, vein and their branches as a pedicle. These flaps were viable without any post-operative complications. The advantages of these flaps are described as follows. ➀ The subcutaneous fat is thin, and thus the flap is flexible and not bulky. ➁ The diameters of the peroneal artery and vein are relatively large and the pedicle is long. ➂ A pretty large size of the flap can be utilized. ➃ A relatively long bone can be obtained together with skin at the same time, and the angle of the fibula can be easily changed. ➄ Bleeding is little when the flap is taken out. ➅ The resection of the tumor and the harvest of the flap can be done at the same time, due to different surgical areas. ➆ The skin graft to the donor defect is not necessary, and the defect can be closed at one-stage. ➇ The donor site does not stand out. Thus, this method is cosmetically excellent. This procedure has many advantages. Reconstruction with the peroneal flap offers a safe, reliable, and versatile method. © 1991, The Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Society of Japan, Inc. All rights reserved.