[Microvascular anastomoses in irradiated blood vessels in the area of the mouth, jaw and face].

Pedicle and free microsurgical reanastomized vascularised flaps are useful to cover defects in an irradiated area. In 51 patients microvascular anastomoses were performed on irradiated vessels in the neck area. Facial reconstruction was done after radiation by free flaps. Seventeen jejunum, 10 myocutaneous, 21 iliac crest and 3 fibula flaps were transplanted. The time between irradiation and reconstruction varied between 2 and 144 months. Four anastomoses had to be revised, two flaps were totally lost. Although the vessels were damaged by preoperative radiotherapy, 92 percent of the anastomoses were patent. This success rate is as high as in anastomoses on non-irradiated vessels.