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Atlas of Extreme Facial Cancer pp 111–118Cite as

Pedicled Versus Free Flaps

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Abstract

Facial defects following cancer excision may be too extensive for simple closure or local flaps. Pedicled or free flaps may be appropriate for these larger and more complex defects. Pedicle flaps are generally faster to raise, don’t require specialised training or equipment and may be more appropriate for frail patients with multiple pre-existing comorbidities. Pedicled flaps, however, may be limited in their anatomical reach and versatility and are associated with pedicle and flap bulk which may compromise the aesthetic outcome. Free flaps allow the movement of specific combinations of skin, soft tissue and bone for large and/or complex defects. Free flap surgery may be prolonged and extensive. Consideration of patient suitability, defect characteristics and surgeon skill and expertise will guide the selection of the most appropriate flap for the defect.

Keywords

  • Facial reconstructive surgery
  • Pedicled flap
  • Free flap

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Damian D. Marucci

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  1. Damian D. Marucci
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Private Practice, Gisborne, New Zealand

    Ian Burton

  2. St Heliers, Auckland, New Zealand

    Michael F. Klaassen

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Marucci, D.D. (2022). Pedicled Versus Free Flaps. In: Burton, I., Klaassen, M.F. (eds) Atlas of Extreme Facial Cancer. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-88334-8_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-88334-8_7

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