Overview of the rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction.

The functional and aesthetic consequences of ablative head and neck oncologic surgery pose a significant challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. With the advent of microvascular free tissue transfer the reconstructive capabilities of the surgeon have been greatly expanded. The rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap has assumed an important role in contemporary head and neck reconstruction because of its ease of dissection, length and size of the vascular pedicle, convenience of harvest in the supine position, reliability and versatility, and low donor site morbidity.