[Determination of the indications for reconstructive surgery following the removal of extensive malignancies of the head and neck].

The paper discusses the results of 132 operations for plastic reconstruction of large areas of the head and neck, following removal of tumor. High-speed procedures using skin-fat and skin-muscle flaps cut along superficial vessels were performed. Application of conventional methods of one- and two-stage cosmetic surgery is time-consuming and may be followed by complications in the postoperative period. Outlines of a procedure for computing the time when plastic surgery becomes indicated are suggested.