IMMEDIATE FREE-FLAP RECONSTRUCTION FOR HEAD AND NECK PEDIATRIC MALIGNANCIES

We performed six immediate free flap reconstructions after tumor ablat ion in 5 children under the age of 15 years presenting with head and n eck malignancy. One patient underwent free flap transfer on two separa te occasions because of tumor recurrence, There were no flap losses no r were there any complications related to microvascular surgery, Altho ugh a pediatric head and neck malignant tumor is rare, surgical resect ion is the primary therapeutic role for those that are amenable to com plete excision, Pediatric microsurgery provides a safe and reliable pr ocedure for reconstruction of head and neck defects after extirpation of the tumor.