| 1) Versatility in tissue (skin, muscle, bone. nerves) | 1) Increased technical difficulty (additional training required) |
| Variability in orientation (no limitation of flap as with pedicle flap) | 2) Two surgical teams required |
| Restoration of shape, function and sensation | 3) Expensive instrumentation |
| Single operation for complex reconstruction | 4) Longer operation time |
| Multiple potential donor site available | 5) More intensive postoperative management |
| Simultaneous resection and flap harvest possible | 6) Donor site morbidity |
| Donor site out of field of prior treatment | |
| Extensive amount of tissue available for large/ massive defects | |
| Post operative irradiation tolerance | |
| Independent blood supply for compromised tissue beds | |
| Improved function and cosmesis | |
| Dental rehabilitation possible | |
| High success rates (> 90 %) including for bony reconstruction. | |
| Only available option for some patients | |
Protection