[The lateral thoracic free flap in facio-cervical reconstruction].

We have applied the lateral thoracic free flap in 16 patients with face and/or neck defects during the past three years. 13 flaps survived completely and 3 flaps failed which was substituted with skin grafting. The lateral thoracic free flap possesses many supplying vessels and its advantages include big size, hairless skin with well matched color and texture and inconspicuous donor site that can be closed directly. The technique of hemodilution and microvascular anastomotic apparatus are introduced. The indications of the flap and the limitation of its size are discussed.