Perioperative Anesthetic Considerations for Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstructions: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Microsurgical free flap reconstruction remains the primary standard of care for managing complex defects, following advanced head and neck cancer resections. Although success rates have improved substantially, these complex procedures represent a major challenge to achieve the optimum patient and flap outcomes. Recent advances in preoperative evaluation and anesthetic management focus on patient optimization and perioperative care to maximize free flap survival and reduce complications.