Role of myocutaneous flaps in reconstruction of the head and neck

To otolaryngologists involved in ablative surgery for tumours, restoration of function and appearance after extirpation has always been a matter of concern. This is particularly important for two reasons. In the first place, the function of the pharynx as a pathway for deglutition and respiration makes reconstruction of this area of vital importance. Secondly, while scars, defects and prosthetics in other parts of the body can be easily hidden and camouflaged, this is difficult in the head and neck area. For almost a century skin grafts, free, pedicled or as rotation flaps, have been used for reconstruction. In recent years the development of myocutaneous flaps has considerably altered this picture and this field is rapidly advancing. The purpose of this paper is to acquaint ourselves with this advance and to present our own experience.