Latissimus dorsi free flap reconstruction of a temporal defect following pediatric oncologic surgery: Case report + literature review.

Introduction: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents. Around 35 % of pediatric sarcomas occur in the head and neck region. Consequently, RMS is considered the most common type of childhood malignancy diagnosed in this region.

Observation: We report the clinical case of a 6 years old patient, who presented a large temporal hollowing following oncological excision surgery for temporal rhabdomyosarcoma. He underwent surgical reconstruction to fill the right temporalis fossa using a latissimus dorsi muscle free flap micro-anastomosed to the lingual vessels.

Discussion: This clinical case highlights the value of plastic surgery in oncological reconstruction, which, combined with a multidisciplinary and collective approach, enables a holistic approach and facilitates socio-psychological integration after oncological surgery in the pediatric population.