Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2025 Sep;45(6):e70106.
doi: 10.1002/micr.70106.

Comprehensive Analysis on the Use of Superficial Temporal Vessels as Free Flap Recipients in Head and Neck Reconstruction: Systematic Review on Anatomic Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes

Belén Andresen-Lorca  1 , Alberto Pérez-García  1 , Iván Heredia-Alcalde  1 , Pedro Alvedro-Ruiz  1 , María García-García  1 , María D Pérez-Del-Caz  1
Affiliations
Review

Comprehensive Analysis on the Use of Superficial Temporal Vessels as Free Flap Recipients in Head and Neck Reconstruction: Systematic Review on Anatomic Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes

Belén Andresen-Lorca et al. Microsurgery. 2025 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Head and neck reconstruction often involves complex defects requiring microvascular free flaps. While cervical vessels are commonly used as recipients, anatomical variations and prior interventions may necessitate alternative options. The superficial temporal vessels (STV) offer advantages such as accessibility, suitable caliber, and proximity to craniofacial defects. This study systematically evaluates the anatomical and surgical outcomes of STV in head and neck reconstruction.

Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across PubMed and Scopus to identify studies on the anatomical characteristics and surgical outcomes of STV. Inclusion criteria focused on studies involving adult patients, reporting surgical outcomes with STV as recipient vessels, and presenting anatomical measurements. Statistical analysis of flap survival, complications, and vessel caliber was performed using IBM SPSS 30.0.

Results: Twenty-two studies on surgical outcomes (506 flaps) and 23 anatomical studies (976 specimens) were analyzed. STV exhibited a mean arterial caliber of 2.30 mm at the origin, 1.88 mm at the zygomatic arch, and 1.51 mm at the bifurcation, with vein diameters averaging 2.58 mm. The flap survival rate was 96.72%, with major complications in 15.4% of cases and anastomosis revision in 5.14%. The anterolateral thigh flap was the most common donor site (177 cases). STV use was most frequent in middle-third facial defects (33%).

Conclusion: The STV are reliable alternatives for microvascular reconstruction in head and neck surgery, particularly for defects in the upper and middle thirds of the face. Their favorable anatomical characteristics and high flap survival rates underscore their potential as primary or secondary recipient vessels, especially in vessel-depleted necks.

Keywords: anatomical characteristics; head and neck reconstruction; microvascular reconstruction; recipient vessels; superficial temporal vessels; surgical outcomes.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Abul‐Hassan, H. S., G. von Drasek Ascher, and R. D. Acland. 1986. “Surgical Anatomy and Blood Supply of the Fascial Layers of the Temporal Region.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 77, no. 1: 17–28.
    1. Awwad, L., D. Obed, P. M. Vogt, A. Kaltenborn, and S. Koenneker. 2022. “Superficial Temporal Recipient Vessels for Craniofacial Microvascular Free‐Flaps.” Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 33, no. 6: e652–e657. https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000008768.
    1. Baudet, J., and J. C. Guimberteau. 1987. “Reimplantation and Transplantation of the Scalp.” Annales De Chirurgie Plastique et Esthetique 32, no. 2: 107–111.
    1. Chen, J. T., R. Sanchez, R. Garg, S. Poore, and J. W. Siebert. 2017. “Helpful Hints for the Superficial Temporal Artery and Vein as Recipient Vessels.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 139, no. 3: 818e–820e. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000003081.
    1. Chen, T. H., C. H. Chen, J. F. Shyu, C. W. Wu, W. Y. Lui, and J. C. Liu. 1999. “Distribution of the Superficial Temporal Artery in the Chinese Adult.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 104, no. 5: 1276–1279. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534‐199910000‐00006.

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources