3 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH THE FREE VASTUS-LATERALIS FLAP - AN ANALYSIS OF 30 CONSECUTIVE RECONSTRUCTIONS IN MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Free vastus lateralis flaps for maxillofacial reconstruction were used in 30 patients. On the basis of its anatomy, this flap can be inserte d as a musculocutaneous or musculofascial transplant in slim or normal -weight patients if extensive defects exist. The microvascular transfe r is facilitated and accelerated by the long and high-caliber vascular pedicle and flap raising, which can be performed at the same time as tumor resection. We see indications for the musculocutaneous transplan t in almost all sections of the oral cavity, particularly for tongue r econstruction; the vastus lateralis flap can be inserted in a purely m uscular form for defect coverage;on the scalp in connection with split skin. The donor defect is minimal functionally and aesthetically, and the success rate is approximately 90% for all flap transfers.