Repair of losses of tissue of the frontotemporal region [Riparazione di perdite di sostanza in regione fronto-temporale: Una scelta ricostruttiva]

Surgical flaps often represent an effective mean of repair for defects, both of the skin and of other tissues, after large excision of tumors. They also play an important role in reconstructive surgery following major injuries. In case of loss of tissue of either side of the head, however, in the proximity of ears and eyes the possibility of extensive undermining is limited by the risk of functional or aesthetic damage and reconstruction with flaps can therefore be difficult. In such special cases, cervical flaps can be of use: the Authors describe the possibility of reconstruction to cover large skin defects of the upper lateral regions of the head by large flaps obtained from the genian, cervical and temporal regions, in this latter case with sparing of the superficial temporal vessels. Herein are described (together with the anatomy) general features and indications of the flaps, and the problems encountered in their use in some of the cases treated by the Authors.