Retrograde vascularisation of fibula free flap in composite oro-mandibular reconstruction

Abstract

We present a case of composite oromandibular reconstruction with fibula free flap in which the vascularity to the flap was established in a retrograde direction through the distal end of the peroneal pedicle vessels. The flap was initially designed in such a way so as to anastomose with superior thyroid artery. However after initial good flow, the superior thyroid artery flow became insufficient. Therefore, an attempt was made to vascularise the flap by anastomosing the distal end of peroneal vessels with the facial artery and a tributary of the internal jugular vein so that the flap was perfused in a retrograde direction. This was successful and the retrograde flow was adequate to ensure flap survival. We believe this to be the first successful case of reverse vascular flow reported for composite oromandibular reconstruction with the fibula free flap.

Keywords

• composite oromandibular defects
• fibula free flap
• oromandibular reconstruction
• retrograde vascularisation