[Microsurgery and free flaps as indications for the reconstruction of the mouth and pharynx region following tumor resection].

This article describes the microsurgical approach of the head and neck team of the Bordet Institute. During a period of 2 1/2 years 35 free flaps, 71 Pectoralis Major and 9 local flaps were performed for oropharyngeal reconstruction. Different types of free flaps were used and analyzed: 15 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous, 8 radial forearm, 1 gastric, 3 jejunum, 2 crista iliaca osteocutaneous, 1 scapular osteomyocutaneous, 3 scapular osteo-muscular of a new type (discovered in our department), 1 serratus anterior muscular and 1 flap composed of 3 others (a latissimus myocutaneous, a serratus anterior and a scapular osteo-muscular flap). 60% of the microvascular anastomoses were performed in a previously heavily irradiated area and none failed. The indications of some of these flaps are discussed and summarized.