Reconstruction of defects of the head and face in the pediatric population requires special consideration for future growth, and at times temporization in anticipation for skeletal maturity followed by subsequent reoperation at an appropriate age. Additional challenges include more limited donor sites, smaller anastomoses, and unpredictable postoperative compliance compared with their adult counterparts. Nonetheless, successful composite bony and soft tissue, and isolated soft tissue defects in children are safely reconstructed using existing local tissue and microsurgical techniques.
Keywords: Pediatric craniofacial surgery; Pediatric head and face tumors; Pediatric microsurgery; Pediatric oncology; Pediatric reconstruction; Virtual surgical planning.
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