Free gracilis muscle flap for treatment of a large temporoparietal defect

Abstract

Large defects of the head and neck after excision of a tumour remain a challenge for plastic reconstructive surgeons. A 75-year-old man presented with a Merkel cell carcinoma of the temporoparietal region, and after resection the defect was covered with a gracilis muscle free flap. At 3.7 years follow-up he had an excellent aesthetic result.

Key Words::

• Head and neck reconstruction
• microsurgery
• gracilis free flap