I work closely with MaxilloFacial and ENT surgeons from University College London and The Royal Free NHS Trusts. I am part of the Craniofacial MDT at the Royal Free and am a key member for complex microsurgical cases. 

My NHS practice involves mainly oncological reconstruction of defects in the head and neck secondary to skin cancer. I have interests in microsurgical reconstruction of the nose, scalp and face post skin cancer excision. I also work closely with Neurosurgeons at Queen Square and am a key member of the Brain Bypass service for which I lend my microsurgical experience.

What are local flaps of the head and neck?

A local flap consists of skin and subcutaneous tissue that is harvested from a site near a given defect while maintaining its intrinsic blood supply. Local skin flaps can be a used as a reliable source of soft tissue replacement that replaces like with like. In the head and neck they provide the best match and cosmesis compared to tissue transported from a distant site.

What is microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck?

This technique involves harvesting tissue with its blood supply and transplanting it at a distant site. The tissue is then transferred to the recipient wound bed, where it is used in reconstructing the affected area of the head and neck. A microscope is used to suture the blood vessels of the flap to blood vessels in the neck, allowing the tissue to live as if it were back in its original location. Common sites where tissue is harvested are the arms (radial forearm flap), thigh (anterolateral thigh flap) and if a bone flap is required (fibula flap). These cases are often performed as part of a large team.