West China Journal of Stomatology ›› 2022, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (3): 271-278.doi: 10.7518/hxkq.2022.03.004

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Vessel anastomosis in free flap reconstruction for oral and maxillofacial defects: techniques and key points

Li Chunjie(), Han Bo, Zhu Guiquan.()   

  1. State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Dept. of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
  • Received:2021-07-28 Revised:2022-03-19 Online:2022-06-01 Published:2022-06-01
  • Contact: Zhu Guiquan. E-mail:lichunjie@scu.edu.cn;zhugq@scu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Department of Science and Technology Application Fundamental Project of Sichuan Province(2021-YJ0129);Experimental Technology Project of Sichuan University(SCU201169);Central Guide Local Government on Technology Development of Sichuan Province(2020ZYD033);Correspondence: Zhu Guiquan, E-mail: zhugq@scu.edu.cn

Abstract:

The quality of vessel anastomosis is a key element for the success of free flap reconstruction. When adopting free flaps for oral and maxillofacial defect reconstruction, skills in selecting vessels, determining the clinical manifestations of the recipient vessel, and anastomosis technique are needed. Key points on postoperative flap observation were also required. We are experienced on this subject given that we have accomplished more than 1 000 free flaps for patients with oral and maxillofacial defects in the last 5 years. In this article, we summarize the skills and key points in free flap reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects, including vessel anastomosis skills, vessel selection, and vessel crisis diagnosis.

Key words: free flap, vessel anastomosis, vessel crisis, microsurgery, reparative and reconstructive surgery, oral and maxillofacial defects

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