Mount Sinai Medical Center and Their Experience with Unfavorable Microsurgical Head and Neck Reconstruction

Radiation effects on tissues greatly complicate reconstruction of head and neck defects. We discuss the unfavorable surgical conditions set up by prior surgery and radiation in patients undergoing salvage ablation of recurrent cancer. With the focus on vessel selection, flap donor site characteristics, and management of potential complications, we hope to highlight some of the lessons learned from these complex cases. Special attention is given to the topic of laryngopharyngeal reconstruction.