Head and Neck Oncology Reconstruction: A History

Reconstruction of surgical defects in the head and neck has evolved dramatically over the past 2 centuries. Surgical defects were frequently closed primarily or in a delayed fashion in the past, resulting in poor cosmetic and functional outcomes. Non-delayed pedicle flaps were introduced in the 1970s, allowing for large defects to be closed with better outcomes. The development of vascular anastomosis, aided by the introduction of the operating microscope, set the stage for the emergence of microsurgery and free tissue transfer. Today, free !aps are routinely performed to repair complex head and neck oncologic defects with great success, allowing for a more recent focus on improving surgicale"ciency as well as functional and cosmetic outcomes. In this review, we seek to provide an overview of the history of head and neck cancer reconstruction, highlighting the clinical pioneers who advanced the field.

Cite this article as: Harris MK, Helou V, Spector ME, Sridharan SS, Contrera KJ, Myers EN. The evolution of head and neck oncologic reconstruction. Balkan ORL-HNS2025;2(1):3-9.