The versatility of the sub-mental flap: a case report.

The sub-mental flap has been used in four elderly patients (mean age: 83 years) for reconstruction of defects after oncological resection: three had basal cell carcinoma (cheek, temporal region and fronto-temporal region). One had a squamous cell carcinoma of the hard palate. We believe that the latter example is original and present it in this article.

[Extended nasal skin reconstruction with a retroauricular free flap harvested on the superficial temporal pedicle].

The microsurgical coverage of large nasal skin avulsion was performed in a 40 years old patient after a human bite. Widely exposing the columelle, the alar cartilages and the distal part of the septum, the defect was covered with a retroauricular free flap harvested on the superficial temporal pedicle and transferred on the upper labial vessels in the nasogenian area. Thanks to its excellent colour and texture match with the nose integuments, this flap enjoyed of an optimal integration in the centrofacial area.

[About the rational use of intrathoracic transfers. Anatomical and surgical bases for the selection of twelve different muscular and omental flaps].

Because of their rich blood supply and of their original detersive and filling properties, the muscular pedicled flaps harvested from the trunk or the omental flap elevated from the abdomen may be very usefull to treat large defects or major septic problems in pleural, pericardic or mediastinal cavities. We here describe the main principles to be followed in such intrathoracic reconstructions performed in order to control severe mediastinites, aortic prosthetic infections, pleural empyemas and broncho-pleural, tracheo-esophageal or broncho-esophageal fistulas. In all these circumstances, the muscular or omental flaps which are transferred into the chest are selected according to the recipient field and to their respective access to the upper, middle and lower portions of the pleural space or mediastinum.

New challenges in head and neck bone and soft tissue reconstruction.

Emphasizing the major impact of reconstructive microsurgery on the treatment of head and neck tumors, the present paper makes a synthesis of the ideal transplants now commonly used to repair specific cephalic bone and soft tissue defects. It also explores and discusses the new perspectives actually developed to improve their present anatomical, functional and aesthetic results. By extending the use of chimaeric or prefabricated flaps, neurovascular allografts or dynamic transfers, all these new challenges combine the progresses made in surgical skill, conceptual inventivity and basic molecular biology.