Lateral arm free flap harvesting has been well described, it however remains underused compared to other free flaps such as radial forearm and anterolateral thigh free flap. Due to its easy harvesting, low donor site morbidity, versatility as well as useful possibilities of modifications it should be considered more often as valuable reconstruction option in head and neck defect. With this publication we want to describe the operative technique, illustrate it with postoperative pictures and describe the outcome with 8 of our cases operated at University Hospital In Lausanne, Switzerland.

The aim of this study is to be a useful tool for young surgeons and demonstrate the advantages of this useful flap in head and neck reconstructions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• > 18 years old
• operated between 01 january 2021 and 12 december 2022
• lateral arm free flap operation for primary or secondary cervicofacial reconstruction
• written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• minor patients
• no written informed consent

Between 2021 and 2022, 8 patients (1 woman and 7 men) underwent reconstruction with a lateral arm free flap in Lausanne, Switzerland (Table 1). Their ages ranged from 52 to 87 years, with a mean age of 65.25 years. The reconstruction site varied from the exenterated orbita for two patients, internal cheek for two patients, retromolar mandible, palate, mouth floor and frontotemporal each for one patient. Reconstruction was done in all patients for oncologic reason. Six patients received primary reconstruction during the same surgery as the tumorectomy and for two patients' reconstruction was done in a second surgery.