Repair of Head and Face Defects with the Use of Pericranial Flap

Abstract

Introduction: The pericranial flaps' benefits have been described in many otolaryngologic, maxillofacial and plastic surgery literature. The benefits ar e due to the pericranial flaps unique characteristics including good flexibility and mobility, very rich blood supply from several arterial sources and access to sufficient bulk of the flap without any need for distant surgical sites. Using pericranial flaps to repair the local defects of the head and face region in several cases has been reported in this study. Materials and Methods: A follow up study was carried out on 12 patients who had undergone frontal sinus obliteration; auriculoplasty and repair of the orbital walls and scalp’s defects. Pericranial flap had been used for all these patients. Demographic specifications, surgical indications, imaging evaluations and early and late complications were recorded as well. The functional and cosmetic results and also the satisfaction level of patients were also assessed. Results: According to the average follow up period which lasted about 4 years, none of the patients suffered early or late significant complications. No disease relapse or need for revision surgery was reported. Almost all patients were completely satisfied with the procedure and its cosmetic results. Conclusion: The use of a pericranial flap is a simple, quick, cost-effective and safe method for repair of head and face defects. Although, a longer follow up time is required, but this uncomplicated method has been considered as an ideal method to repair sinonasal, ear and scalp defects.

Keywords

• Face
• Head
• Neck
• Surgical flap