Musculocutaneous flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

The development of the new myocutaneous flaps in recent years has ushered in an era of early reconstructions with one-stage repairs. The availability and reliability of these flaps make them appealing for use at a variety of sites. The experience gained from the use of these new flaps has confirmed their safety and versatility even within radiated fields. Since these flaps permit reconstruction in one stage, patients face less disability and their hospital stays are shortened.