Other flaps for head and neck use: temporoparietal fascial free flap, lateral arm free flap, omental free flap

Abstract

Advances in microvascular surgery have led to the development of new donor sites for head and neck reconstruction. The superficial temporoparietal, lateral arm, and omental free flaps represent three flaps with primarily soft tissue uses. Their reliable blood supply and pliability make them well suited for a variety of head and neck defects. The superficial temporoparietal and lateral arm free flaps may be used as osteocutaneous flaps, but more rarely is this the case. Minimal donor site morbidity is an advantage with the superficial temporoparietal and lateral arm flaps. The morbidity of a laparotomy must be weighed against the advantage gained by employing the omental free flap in cases of soft tissue reconstruction.