A. Takamatsu et al., SELECTION OF APPROPRIATE RECIPIENT VESSELS IN DIFFICULT, MICROSURGICAL HEAD AND NECK RECONSTRUCTION, Journal of reconstructive microsurgery, 12(8), 1996, pp. 499-507
In a series of 327 cases of head and neck microsurgical reconstruction
during 22 years beginning in 1974, the authors have reviewed 16 cases
in which the first choice of recipient vessels was not available. The
problems of selecting alternative and appropriate recipient vessels a
re discussed. Recipient Vessels could be classified into three groups;
adjacent small Vessels that are usually considered to be the first ch
oice; major vessels; and distant vessels. A correlation between the se
lection of substitute vessels and the region of reconstruction was fou
nd. Representative cases in each category are presented. In difficult
cases in free-flap transfer, it is of prime importance to select healt
hy recipient Vessels. Additionally, special precautions,including choi
ce of anastomotic technique, are required.