Superficial Temporal Vessels for Head and Scalp Microsurgical Reconstruction

Abstract

We have read with interest the article entitled “ Utilization of Intraparotid Segments of Super fi cial Temporal Vessels (STV) for Head and Scalp Free Flap Micronastomosis: A Clinical, Histological, and Cadaveric Study. ” 1 We congratulate Venkatesh et al for their relevant work. Super fi cial temporal vessels (STV) are very suitable vessels for head and scalp reconstruction 2 due to their proximity and relative easy dissection. Because of their tortuous anatomy and their small diameter, STV have been historically considered to be prone to vasospasm, and not appropriate vessels for microanastomosis in free fl ap reconstruction. In their article, authors explain tech-niques to facilitate their dissection and make it more reliable. We would like to share our positive experience with these receptor vessels.Atourhospital,STVareconsideredasprimary recipient vessels in microsurgery reconstruction of the scalp and upper and middle thirds of the face. Between 2015 and 2020, 16 patients underwent head – free fl ap reconstruction in our department, utilizing STV for anastomosis. Preauricular segment of STV were used as recipient vessels in all the cases. Average age was 54.9 and 10 patients had prior radiation (62.5%). Defect etiology included surgical wound infection or necrosis (50%), tumor resection (25%), osteoradionecrosis (12.5%), arteriovenous malformation (6.25%)