Management of secondary soft-tissue deficits following microsurgical head and neck reconstruction by means of another free flap

Secondary soft-tissue deficits may develop following a microsurgical reconstruction in the head and neck region because of inadequate planning or chronic effects of radiotherapy. Although most cases could be managed with alternative methods, free flaps might be necessary in difficult cases. Herein are described 11 cases of microsurgical head and neck reconstruction in which secondary soft-tissue deficits required transfer of another soft-tissue free flap. All patients had malignant tumors treated with surgical resection, and their defects were reconstructed with free flaps. Seven patients received either preoperative or postoperative adjunctive radiotherapy. These patients gradually developed signs and symptoms of soft-tissue deficiency in the reconstructed area, and a soft-tissue free flap transfer was required for treatment within an average of 21.5 months of their initial reconstruction. Five rectus abdominis, one rectus femoris, one latissimus dorsi, one tensor fasciae latae myocutaneous, one radial forearm, one medial arm, and one dorsalis pedis flap were used for this purpose. All flaps survived completely. The average follow-up time was 32 months. Significant improvement was achieved in all cases, and no further major surgical procedures were required. Secondary soft-tissue deficits that could not be predicted or prevented during the initial microsurgical reconstruction may be treated successfully by a subsequent free soft-tissue transfer in selected cases.