Abstract:

Objective　To analyze the reliability and feasibility of free flap transfer for head and neck reconstruction in the pae- diatric patients.Methods　Thirty consecutive free flap transfer performed in 28 patients youngerthan 15 years-oldwere reviewed. Data concerningthe operation included date of surgery, defect description and site, stage and histology of tumor, flap type, recipi- ent vessel and complications.Results　The average age of patientswas 12.3 years-old, with age ranged from5 to 15. Therewere 19 males and 9 females. Four kinds of free flap were used. The free fibula flap was most commonly used, followed by free radial forearm flap, rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, and free scapular flap. The overall success rate of the flaps was 93.3%. The overall complication ratewas 36.7%. The vessel thrombosis ratewas 6.7%.Conclusion　Free flap transfer in the paediatric pa- tients for head and neck reconstruction is safe and reliable. There is no difference between the normal patients and paediatric pa- tients in the success rate and complication rate.

Key words: free flap transfer, microsurgery, reconstruction, peadiatric patient