Lateral Arm Free Flap: a Useful Flap in the Maxillo-facial Surgeon's Therapeutic Armory, Case Series

Lateral Arm Free Flap: a Useful Flap in the Maxillo-facial Surgeon's Therapeutic Armory, Case Series

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