Complex Scalp Defects Research Articles

Abstract: Outcomes in Reconstruction of Composite Scalp and Calvarial Defects – Revisiting the Role of Alloplastic Cranioplasty in High Risk Patients

INTRODUCTION: Advances in cranioplasty have enabled repair of increasingly complex defects.1–4 This led to widespread use of alloplastic materials in high-risk patients, including those with previous history of osteomyelitis, radiation, frontal sinus involvement, and soft–tissue deficits. The long-term outcomes of these reconstructions have been largely understudied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural history of cranioplasty in high-risk patients with soft-tissue defects requiring flap coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients treated with 466 cranioplasties between 2002 and 2014 was performed. RESULTS: Materials used for reconstructions included non-titanium alloplastic cranioplasty in 52% (n=243), titanium mesh in 38% (n=177), and autologous bone in 10% (n=46). Mean cranial defect size was 59 ± 60cm2. Sixteen percent (n=74) of the reconstructions included full-thickness scalp defect with a mean area of 22 ± 74cm2. Mean follow-up was 3.9 ± 3.0 years. Cumulative revision rate was 22% (n=104) and the cumulative reconstructive failure rate (defined as removal of the cranioplasty) was 13% (n=60). When soft-tissue reconstruction was needed, 2-year failure rate for autologous bone was 14%, for non-titanium alloplastic cranioplasty 29%, and for titanium mesh 39%. At the end of follow-up, failure rate remained stable for autologous bone – 14%, and for non-titanium alloplastic cranioplasty – 37% (p>0.05). The failure rate for titanium mesh continued to increase over time to 53% (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Simultaneous scalp and calvarial reconstruction is associated with significantly worse outcomes than calvarial reconstruction alone. Composite reconstruction with a locoregional flap and alloplastic cranioplasty, in particular titanium mesh, is associated with surprisingly high failure rate of over 50% and should be either discouraged, or used as a temporary treatment until more permanent coverage option is available. We advocate the use of autogenous tissues in these scenarios to achieve more durable repairs. If this is not an option and alloplastic material needs to be utilized, scalp reconstruction with a free tissue transfer should be done early as it yields better results than a locoregional flap. DISCLOSURE/FINANCIAL SUPPORT:The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this manuscript. REFERENCES: 1. Chao AH, Yu P, Skoracki RJ, Demonte F, Hanasono MM. Microsurgical reconstruction of composite scalp and calvarial defects in patients with cancer: a 10-year experience. Head Neck. 2012;12:1759–1764 2. Afifi A, Djohan RS, Hammert W, Papay FA, Barnett AE, Zins JE. Lessons learned reconstructing complex scalp defects using free flaps and a cranioplasty in one stage. J Craniofac Surg. 2010;4:1205–1209 3. St–Hilaire H, Mithani SK, Taylor J, Simmons OP, Singh N, Rodriguez ED. Restoring the failed cranioplasty: nonanatomical titanium mesh with perforator flap. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;123:1813–1817 4. Wang HT, Erdmann D, Olbrich KC, Friedman AH, Levin LS, Zenn MR. Free flap reconstruction of the scalp and calvaria of major neurosurgical resection in cancer patients: lessons learned closing large, difficult wounds of the dura and skull. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007;119:865–872

Microsurgical Reconstruction of Complex Scalp Defects: An Appraisal of Flap Selection and the Timing of Complications.

The purposes of this study were to report a 7-year experience of microvascular reconstruction of scalp defects, compare flap type and outcomes, and evaluate the implications of short and long term complications. Following institutional review board approval, a single surgeon's patients requiring microvascular scalp reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed from 2005 to 2011. Flap choice, complications, and outcomes were statistically analyzed. Nineteen patients met inclusion criteria (10 male and 9 female) with a mean age of 60.2 ± 21.4 years (range, 23-90 years). All free tissue transfers (n = 20) achieved 100% soft tissue coverage. Mean size calvarial defect was 106.6 ± 67.2 cm(2) (range, 35-285 cm(2)), with 11 requiring cranioplasty. Free flaps included the following: 13 anteriolateral thigh, 5 ulnar, 1 latissimus dorsi, and 1 thoracodorsal artery perforator. Mean flap size was 154.1 ± 87.3 cm(2) (range, 42-336 cm(2)). Early complications (<30 days following surgery) occurred in 21.1% of patients and late complications (>30 days following surgery) in 52.6% of patients. Patients with an early complication were 2 times more likely to develop a late complication (relative risk, 2.1) but did not reach statistical significance. Late complications were more likely to require surgical intervention, 84.2% versus 60% of early complications (P = 0.079). Microvascular free tissue transfer is the mainstay of complex scalp defects but carries a high likelihood of future reoperations. Early complications are less concerning than late complications, as the need for future surgical intervention is associated with late complications. There is lack of evidence to support a superior flap choice.

Lower Trapezius Flap for Reconstruction of Posterior Scalp and Neck Defects after Complex Occipital-Cervical Surgeries.

Objectives To review the indications, techniques, and outcomes for a series of patients in whom the lower trapezius flaps was used for repair of complex posterior scalp and neck defects after posterior occipital-cervical surgeries. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Tertiary academic hospital. Participants A retrospective review of cases that required complex occipital-cervical repair was performed to identify patients who underwent reconstruction using the lower trapezius flap. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentations, surgical anatomy, operative techniques, and outcomes with review of the pertinent literature. Outcomes Nine patients who underwent reconstruction using the lower trapezius flap were identified. Prior surgical interventions included five complex tumor resections, two patients with multiple instrumented cervical spine surgeries, one patient with a craniotomy for attempted extracranial to intracranial arterial bypass for a basilar aneurysm repair, and a posterior occipital-cervical decompression after trauma. During the median follow-up period of 7 months, all nine single-stage reconstructions resulted in successful healing without major surgical complications. Conclusion Lower trapezius island flaps provide a reliable option for the reconstruction of complex scalp and neck defects that develop after complex occipital-cervical surgeries.

Microsurgical scalp reconstruction in the elderly: a systematic review and pooled analysis of the current data.

Microvascular reconstruction is the mainstay of treatment in complex scalp defects. The rate of elderly patients requiring scalp reconstruction is increasing, but outcomes in elderly patients are unclear. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature pertaining to free tissue transfer for scalp reconstruction in patients older than 65 years to compare outcomes among different free flaps and determine the safety profile of treatment. A systematic review of the available literature of patients undergoing microvascular scalp reconstruction was completed. Details for patients 65 years and older were extracted and reviewed for data analysis. A total of 45 articles (112 patients) were included for analysis. Mean age of the patients was 73.3 ± 6.3 years (men, 69.4 percent; women, 23.4 percent; not reported, 7.2 percent). Mean flap size was 598 cm2 (range, 81 to 2500 cm2). The mean age of patients developing a complication was 72.8 ± 6.4 years and patients that did not develop a complication was 73.4 ± 5.5 years (p = 0.684). Overall, periprocedural mortality was 0.9 percent. Flap failures occurred in two cases (1.8 percent). The overall complication rate was 22.3 percent (n = 25). Complications by flap type varied without reaching statistical significance. Microvascular reconstruction in complex scalp defects is associated with successful outcomes, and chronologic age does not increase mortality or catastrophic flap complications. The most common flaps used to repair scalp defects are anterolateral thigh and latissimus dorsi, but a superior flap type could not be identified.

Integra® dermal regeneration template in the reconstruction of complex scalp defects: initial experiences at Worcestershire Royal Hospital

Introduction/Aims: Integra® is a dermal regeneration template consisting of a porous dermal component made of bovine collagen and shark chondroitin-6-sulphate glycosaminoglycan, bonded to a silicone pseudo-epidermis. Applications of use are widespread but a growing body of literature supports its usefulness in the reconstruction of complex scalp defects. We present a case series of our initial experiences.

Application of the parietal branches of superficial temporal artery island flap in complex scalp defects

Objective To investigate the application of the parietal branches of superficial temporal artery island flap in the complex scalp defects.Methods A parietal branches of superficial temporal artery island flap on the ectatic scalp flap was designed to repair the complex scalp defects in 25cases and the repairing effect was observed.Results The island flaps were survived completely in 24patients,in which 1 patient had partial necrosis because of the flap tension was too large,but healed after local dressing and debridement.After followed up 6～ 12 months,the color and texture of the flap were the same to the surrounding normal scalp,and the shape was satisfactory.The flap donor site of hair growth was good,with well healing and no obvious complications.Conclusions The parietal branches of superficial temporal artery island flap can repair the complex scalp defects with the flexible flap design and movement.The flap survives well and the repair area is large.The flap and the surrounding scalp connects good.Therefore,it is a good method strongly recommended for small area complex scalp defects repair in clinics. Key words: Scalp defects; Parietal branches of superficial temporal artery; Island flap

Complex Scalp, Skull, and Dural Defect Reconstruction Using a Turnover “Tournedos” Myocutaneous Free Flap

The latissimus dorsi flap is one of the most commonly used flaps for calvarial defect reconstruction. In the setting of radiation and/or chronic infection and when skeletal reconstruction of the cranium is not recommended, standard calvarial reconstruction needs to be refined. The standard use of the latissimus dorsi only was associated with potential dead space over the dura, limited skin paddle size, and potential external contour irregularities. In this study, we present our approach to complex calvarial reconstruction with free tissue transfer without bone grafting while avoiding contour deformities in 1 efficient surgical procedure. We propose the "tournedos" turnover de-epithelialized latissimus dorsi flap, which provides stable dermal and subdermal tissue that will not undergo atrophy over time over the dura. To reach an adequate aesthetic result, we used a uniform, unmeshed, thick split-thickness skin graft over the muscular portion of the tournedos flap. Patients who underwent this procedure, from March 1992 to March 2012, at McGill University Health Center and the Montreal Neurological Institute were included. Thirty-three complex microsurgical procedures for oncologic calvarial defect reconstructions were performed from March 1992 to March 2012. Among them, 6 patients benefited from the tournedos procedure. The average age was 74 years. Scalp defects sizes ranged from 4 × 10 to 16 × 18 cm (40-288 cm). All latissimus dorsi flap donor sites were closed primarily. Patients kept their donor-site drains for approximately 18 days (±5 days). One patient developed a seroma at the donor site after drain removal that was treated conservatively. All patients were satisfied with their reconstructions, and no secondary procedures were necessary. We present our most recent case with good photographic documentation. Our approach using the tournedos turnover de-epithelialized free flap provides durable and stable coverage for irradiated and/or previously infected calvarial defects. It is a safe procedure in those challenging complex cases and offers many advantages.

A 15-year Experience of Complex Scalp Reconstruction Using Free Tissue Transfer—Analysis of Risk Factors for Complications

Large, complex scalp defects represent a significant reconstructive challenge, thus a variety of free tissue transfer techniques have been employed to optimally provide soft tissue coverage. The aim of this study is to determine factors associated with complications. A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients undergoing free tissue transfer for scalp defects from 1997 to 2011. Patients were compared with respect to demographics, defect characteristics, intraoperative factors, flap choice, and postoperative complications. Forty-three flaps were performed in 37 patients with a success rate of 97.7%. Multivariate regression demonstrated that defect characteristics (size of defect) and patient-related factors (age and smoking) were associated with wound complications in scalp reconstruction. Outcomes were similar between the latissimus dorsi (LD) and anterolateral thigh (ALT) groups and the immediate cranioplasty patients with respect to all forms of complications. We report a 98% success rate using free tissue transfer for complex scalp defects and identify defect size, patient age, and smoking as factors associated with wound complications. Patient comorbidities were associated with major complications. We report equal efficacy in using the ALT and LD, as well as immediate cranioplasty. Prognostic/risk, level III.

Free Flap Reconstruction for Complex Scalp and Forehead Defects with Associated Full-Thickness Calvarial Bone Resections

Extensive defects of the scalp and forehead associated with calvarial bone resections demand complex reconstructions. Free flaps offer vascularized tissue of excellent quality and quantity. We report six patients with extensive scalp and forehead defects associated with calvarial bone resections reconstructed with free flaps. Five patients also required a cranioplasty. The flaps used were two anterolateral thigh flaps, one vastus lateralis flap, one myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap, one latissimus dorsi flap, and one radial forearm flap. All flaps survived with no partial necrosis. There were no donor site complications. One patient presented an exposure of the alloplastic material used for cranioplasty. We strongly recommend the use of free flaps for this kind of reconstruction.

Reconstruction of scalp defects with the radial forearm free flap

BackgroundAdvanced and recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp and forehead require aggressive surgical excision often resulting in complex defects requiring reconstruction. This study evaluates various microvascular free flap reconstructions in this patient population, including the rarely utilized radial forearm free flap.Patients and methodsA retrospective review of patients undergoing free flap surgeries (n = 47) of the scalp between 1997 and 2011 were included. Patients were divided primarily into two cohorts: a new primary lesion (n = 21) or recurrence (n = 26). Factors examined include patient demographics, indication for surgery, defect, type of flap used, complications (major and minor), and outcomes.ResultsThe patients were primarily male (n = 34), with a mean age of 67 years (25–91). A total of 58 microvascular free flap reconstructions were performed (radial forearm free flap: n = 28, latissimus dorsi: n = 20, rectus abdominis: n = 9, scapula: n = 1). Following reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap, duration of hospitalization was shorter (P = 0.04) and complications rates were similar (P = 0.46). Donor site selection correlated with defect area (P < 0.001), but not with the extent of skull defect (P = 0.70). Larger defect areas correlated with higher complications rates (P = 0.03) and longer hospitalization (P = 0.003). Patients were more likely to require multiple reconstructions if referred for a recurrent lesions (P = 0.01) or received prior radiation therapy (P = 0.02).ConclusionAdvanced and recurrent malignancies of the scalp are aggressive and challenging to treat. The radial forearm free flap is an underutilized free flap in the reconstruction of complex scalp defects.

Aesthetic and Oncologic Outcome after Microsurgical Reconstruction of Complex Scalp and Forehead Defects after Malignant Tumor Resection: An Algorithm for Treatment

Aesthetic and Oncologic Outcome after Microsurgical Reconstruction of Complex Scalp and Forehead Defects after Malignant Tumor Resection: An Algorithm for Treatment

Aesthetic and Oncologic Outcome after Microsurgical Reconstruction of Complex Scalp and Forehead Defects after Malignant Tumor Resection: An Algorithm for Treatment

Aesthetic and Oncologic Outcome after Microsurgical Reconstruction of Complex Scalp and Forehead Defects after Malignant Tumor Resection: An Algorithm for Treatment

Double‐free, flow‐through flap reconstruction for complex scalp defects: A case report

This case report describes the use of a double-free, flow-through flap as a valuable tool in reconstruction following oncological resection of a large, fungating, squamous cell carcinoma extending through the scalp, forehead, skull, and dura. An anterolateral thigh flap was utilized to supply: soft tissue for the forehead reconstruction, vascularized fascia lata for the dural repair, and to act vascular conduit to supply a distally placed latissmus dorsi flap for total scalp reconstruction. We believe this is the first time this combination of double-free, flow-through flap design has been published for the reconstruction of complex, composite scalp and calvarial defects.

Scalp Reconstruction with Inverted Myocutaneous Latissimus Free Flap and Unmeshed Skin Graft

Limited skin paddle size, peripheral thinning, or lack of cerebral expansion after radiotherapy may necessitate secondary sculpting after latissimus free flap reconstruction of large scalp defects. This series presents a novel modification of the myocutaneous latissimus dorsi free flap for use in large scalp defects. After superficial artery isolation, titanium mesh is placed into the calvarial defect to recapitulate the inner table. The myocutaneous latissimus flap is harvested in standard fashion, deepithelialized, and inverted. The skin paddle is placed over titanium mesh to fill the calvarial defect, then sewn over a drain. The inverted latissimus muscle is draped over the defect and extended peripherally beneath the pericranium. The flap is sewn to the scalp internally using a vest-over-pants suture pattern, and the thoracodorsal and superficial temporal vessels are anastomosed and left facing outward. Unmeshed skin graft is draped over the muscle and vessels then sutured loosely. Patients with complex scalp defects whose soft tissue defect exceeded the size of latissimus skin paddle available with primary closure were considered eligible for inverted latissimus free flap reconstruction. Follow-up range was 6 months to 12 months. Over a 2-year period, five patients underwent inverted latissimus free flap reconstruction. Scalp defects ranged in size from 10 × 8 cm to 17 × 11 cm. The calvarial defect was smaller than the soft tissue defect in all cases. All flap donor sites were closed primarily. All five flaps took, and donor site outcomes were acceptable. Aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory with well-contoured, calvarial-shaped results. Cosmesis was most notably limited by skin graft joint lines. No patients underwent secondary surgical revision. The inverted myocutaneous latissimus free flap is a safe and effective method for reconstructing large or irradiated scalp defects.

The Use of Acellular Dermal Matrix in Reconstruction of Complex Scalp Defects

Multi-focal basal or squamous cell carcinomas of the scalp, as well as recurrent tumors or previously irradiated lesions, always require large full thickness excision to achieve successful and complete healing. Loco-regional or micro-vascular flaps are the gold standard for closure of complex defects of the scalp but in some, especially older, patients, these techniques may be contraindicated. Over the last few years, the introduction of dermal substitutes has improved wound healing and modified surgical strategies in the treatment of complex tissue loss. Matriderm s (Eurosurgical Limited, Guildford, UK) is an acellular dermal substitute constituted by a matrix of type 1 bovine collagen and elastin, with a thickness of 1 to 2mm and pores of about 75mm. Since its introduction in clinical practice, it has been used in the reconstruction of tissue following burns or complex wounds, 1,2 but few studies have focused on its use in the craniofacial region and no studies appear to have evaluated its usefulness in scalp reconstruction. Herewith, we report our personal experience using this acellular dermal matrix in a complex scalp reconstruction, comparing the esthetic outcome to that of a previous full-thickness skin graft in the same region.

Method to Thicken the Scalp in Calvarian Reconstruction

Scalp reconstruction has always been a challenging task. In our case, we report the use of INTEGRA Dermal Regeneration Flap, together with a cranioplasty for complex scalp defect. We have obtained not only an appropriate coverage of the cranial bone, but also an optimal aesthetic result. We present a 24-year-old patient with a history of severe cranial trauma with sinking of the frontal bone with dural laceration and large bilateral frontal lacerocontusive focus. First, he had undergone reconstruction with the aid of autologous bone, metallic mesh, and titanium plates at a different clinical center. He arrived to our attention with exposure of the fixation devices, as well as part of the titanium plate used for the primary reconstruction. His general conditions could not allow a complex reconstructive procedure such as microsurgical flaps. The use of INTEGRA allowed us to reach the goal of a good and appropriate reconstruction, without exposing the patient to a higher-risk procedure. After the creation of a custom-made cranial implant in porous hydroxyapatite, the patient has undergone cranial bone remodeling to reach a homogeneous contour of the forehead profile. After the positioning of the implant, a single-layer INTEGRA regeneration template has been placed between the implant itself and the hypotrophic and thinned skin layer. The postoperative result after 16 months allowed us to observe a normal forehead profile with a normal thickness, good skin texture, and well-hidden scars.

Aesthetic and Oncologic Outcome after Microsurgical Reconstruction of Complex Scalp and Forehead Defects after Malignant Tumor Resection: An Algorithm for Treatment

Limited follow-up data on aesthetic outcome and survival after microsurgical reconstruction of complex scalp and forehead defects are available. These data are important to improve reconstruction quality and patient counseling. The purpose of this study was to evaluate surgical, aesthetic, and oncologic outcome of free flap scalp and forehead reconstructions in the patient population of two academic centers. Retrospective data analysis of patients with a microsurgical reconstruction of the scalp or forehead between January of 1999 and June of 2008 was performed. Aesthetic outcome was assessed on a five-point Likert scale for flap color match, contour, and overall aesthetic result. The group consisted of 84 patients with a mean follow-up time of 27 months (range, 1 to 95 months). Mean defect size was 134 cm (range, 20 to 340 cm), with 46 percent full-thickness bone defects and 16 percent dura defects. The most commonly used free flaps were latissimus dorsi (n = 34) and anterolateral thigh (n = 24). Total flap failure occurred in five patients (6 percent). Disease-free survival and overall survival rates at 5 years were 57 and 65 percent, respectively. Additional operations for aesthetic reasons were performed in 19 patients (23 percent). Panel scores showed a significant lower satisfaction with reconstruction of defects that were located over the frontal scalp compared with other locations (p = 0.004). Microsurgical reconstruction in complex scalp and forehead defects is a safe procedure. From the authors' experience, they suggest an algorithm for reconstruction of these complex reconstructive defects that will most likely result in the best aesthetic result.

Lessons Learned Reconstructing Complex Scalp Defects Using Free Flaps and a Cranioplasty in One Stage

The purpose of this study was to review our experience in single-stage reconstruction of skull and scalp defects, aiming to highlight pitfalls in our management. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who had a single-stage cranioplasty and free-tissue transfer at our institution over the last 10 years. Thirteen patients (9 men and 4 women) with an average age of 66.5 years (range, 34-83 years) were identified. Etiology of the defects included malignancy (n = 7), osteoradionecrosis (n = 3), and infection (n = 3). The size of the bony defect averaged 103.1 cm(2) (range, 12-300 cm(2)). Cranioplasty procedures included reconstruction by methylmethacrylate and titanium mesh (n = 10), methylmethacrylate only (n = 1), or mesh only (n = 2). Free flaps used were anterolateral thigh (n = 10), latissimus dorsi (n = 2), or a rectus flap (n = 1). Five patients (38%) developed at least 1 complication. These included 2 anastomotic problems that were successfully salvaged, 5 cases of wound dehiscence, and 1 mortality due to a respiratory event. Four patients developed a recurrence, and 2 patients required flap contouring at a second stage. Two patients had further reconstruction using 1 (1 patient) or 2 (1 patient) additional free flaps. Given the complexity of these procedures, the high recurrence rate, and the likelihood of complications, methylmethacrylate is contraindicated in 1-stage cranioplasty and soft-tissue reconstruction in high-risk patients. For unfavorable local conditions (eg previous infection, radiotherapy), the surgeon can either postpone the cranioplasty until the soft-tissue reconstruction has healed, or use a nonanatomical titanium mesh alone. The soft-tissue flap should be harvested of larger dimensions than anticipated.

Use of Dermal Regeneration Template (Integra) for Reconstruction of Full-Thickness Complex Oncologic Scalp Defects

The reconstruction of full-thickness scalp defects remains a surgical challenge. Different types of reconstruction had varying success including the use of dermal regeneration template (DRT). We reviewed the surgical outcome of 30 patients who underwent application of DRT for resurfacing of full-thickness scalp defects when the pericranium was excised and the outer cortex of the calvarial bone was burred after the excision of scalp neoplasm. This was a retrospective review of 30 patients who had scalp reconstruction with DRT undertaken by the senior author between October 2004 and June 2007. The mean age of patients in our series was 63 years (37-91 years). There were 14 men and 16 women. The indications for re-excision and DRT reconstruction in 28 patients were close margins and aggressive tumor type, whereas 2 patients had a recurrence. The mean defect size was 95 cm2 (16-275 cm2). The second stage of the reconstruction occurred on postoperative day 42 (postoperative days 27-62). The mean follow-up period was 14 months. Two patients had minor complications. For both stages, the combined average operative time was 128 minutes. The use of DRT is a rung of the reconstructive ladder that deserves consideration. In our series of 30 patients who required secondary reconstruction of complex scalp defects, the use of DRT has been seen to provide safe and durable soft-tissue cover for full-thickness scalp defects. The reduced operative time and inpatient stay are desirable characteristics particularly in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities.

Management of Extensive and Complex Scalp Defects in Patients of Neoplasm

Background: Reconstruction of extensive and complex scalp defects in patients of neoplasm remains a significant challenge because of cerebrospinal fluid leak, bacterial contamination from sinus exposure, effect of radiation therapy, neoadjuvant or postoperative chemotherapy, and functional and cosmetic deformity from the size and location of the defect. In this series, we present our experience in the management of extensive defects Materials and Methods: Between 1993 and 2008, ten patients with scalp defects received reconstruction with a variety of free flaps: four free vastus lateralis muscle flaps, three anterolateral thigh flaps, three latissimus dorsi flaps with fasciocutaneous extension and one radial forearm flap. These defects had a wide spectrum of complexities including extensive multilaminar defects with exposed brain and dura, irradiation damage, infection of the wounds and central nervous systems. The flaps were used to cover the defects resulting from the radical debridement or tumor ablation with or without radiation in patients ranging from 35 to 61 years of age. Follow-up ranged from one to ten years. The patients' demographics, surgical indications, type of flaps and exposed structures, comorbidity, complications and outcomes were assessed. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the correlation between CSF leakage and postoperative complications and mortality. Results: All patients were referred from our neurologic surgeons after ablative surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. Among the ten patients, six had a cerebrospinal fluid leak at the time of the reconstruction. Of the six patients, one had total flap loss requiring another free flap reconstruction and two had partial flap necrosis, demanding debridement and split-thickness skin grafting. Four flaps totally survived and the cerebrospinal fluid leak all resolved in the six patients. In comparison, of the four patients without a cerebrospinal fluid leak, all flaps survived. The perioperative mortality is 10% and the overall mortality is 20%. One patient died of sepsis 1.5 months later and the other one died of primary cancer 1.5 years after reconstruction. Conclusion: Although our case number is very small, our results support that free flap reconstruction is a life-saving procedure in this high-risk population and that success is possible. Comparing to fasciocutaneous flaps, muscle flaps with primary or secondary split-thickness skin grafting can provide better cosmetic result. Difficult problems, such as severe central nervous system infection, recurrent cerebrospinal fluid leaks and large irradiated wounds including osteoradionecrosis, can be managed and resolved successfully using this technique.