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European Journal of Plastic Surgery
Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery 2/2020

01-04-2020 | Frontal Sinus Mucocele | Original Paper

Superficial temporal vessels as a recipient site for microvascular head and neck reconstruction: is it reliable?

Authors: Anne Karoline Groth, Maria Cecília Closs Ono, André D’Avanço de Morais, Alfredo Benjamin Duarte da Silva, Isabella Mauad Patruni, William Massami Itikawa, Bruno Legnani

Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery | Issue 2/2020

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Abstract

Background

Free flap transfer is commonly performed to reconstruct defects of the upper two-thirds of the face and scalp. However, superficial temporal artery and vein are not a widespread option as recipient vessels. We present a series of cases and discuss the safety of using them as the recipient site for microsurgical head and neck reconstruction.

Methods

Retrospective chart review on all patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction using superficial temporal vessels as recipient site between 2010 and 2017. Flap success rates and postoperative course were evaluated.

Results

Thirteen patients underwent free flap head and neck reconstruction and had the superficial temporal vessels as the recipient site. Only one case of infection and one salivary fistula was observed; none of the patients presented total flap loss.

Conclusions

Use of the superficial temporal artery and vein for head and neck defects is reliable and safe. The superficial temporal artery and vein should be considered as optional recipient vessels in microsurgical reconstruction of the upper two-thirds of the face and/or scalp.
Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.
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Metadata
Title
Superficial temporal vessels as a recipient site for microvascular head and neck reconstruction: is it reliable?
Authors
Anne Karoline Groth
Maria Cecília Closs Ono
André D’Avanço de Morais
Alfredo Benjamin Duarte da Silva
Isabella Mauad Patruni
William Massami Itikawa
Bruno Legnani
Publication date
01-04-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Plastic Surgery / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 0930-343X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-0130
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-019-01569-z

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