Free tissue reconstruction following excision of head and neck arteriovenous malformations.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate free tissue transfer (FTT) as a safe and effective reconstructive technique to treat arteriovenous malformations. Vascular lesions that present a significant clinical challenge to the head and neck reconstructive surgeon are often difficult to treat and can leave large, complex defects. METHODS Retrospective, single-institution case series. RESULTS We describe 8 patients treated for extensive lesions in various parts of the head and neck reconstructed with free flaps. These malformations have a tendency to recur, which was the case in 75% of our patients (6 of 8) during a mean follow-up period of 5 years. Revision procedures are expected at a mean rate of 6.75 per person in our series. CONCLUSIONS Arteriovenous malformations are uncommon and challenging lesions. Use of FTT can ameliorate the large defects resulting from excision of these lesions.