The Forehead Flap: Technique and Complications

Abstract

The records of 43 patients requiring a forehead flap for reconstruction following oral or pharyngeal resection were reviewed in order to assess complications and to find the preferred operative technique.Major complications were present in 23% of the patients. Passage of the flap beneath zygoma, without fracture of the zygoma on occasion, is felt to be the preferred method of gaining entrance into the oral cavity. Factors related to complications including fistula formation, facial nerve paralysis, flap necrosis, and osteomylitis are discussed.