Preoperative MR angiography in free fibula flap transfer for head and neck cancer: clinical application and influence on surgical decision making.

Abstract

We review the fibular free flap surgical procedure to illustrate the usefulness of preoperative lower limb MR angiography and to show how calf vascular anatomy on MR angiography affects patient surgical management. With its high positive predictive value and sensitivity, preoperative MR angiography can improve the chances of a successful outcome at the recipient mandibular site. It provides the reconstructive surgeon with a road map, revealing vascular anomalies or disease that could alter or contraindicate surgery.