1. Free Radial Artery Forearm Flap: This technique involves transferring tissue from the forearm, including the radial artery and its venae comitantes. Widely used for oral cavity defects, particularly for lip and tongue reconstruction, it offers excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes.

2. Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap: Utilizing tissue from the thigh, including skin, fascia, and a portion of the vastus lateralis muscle, this versatile flap is suitable for various head and neck defects. It is commonly used for oral cavity, maxilla, and mandible reconstructions, providing tailored solutions for each patient.

3. Free Fibula Flap: Harvesting a segment of the fibula bone along with its overlying soft tissue, typically from the lower leg, this flap is ideal for mandibular reconstruction. Providing structural support and restoring facial contour, it offers reliable vascularization for large mandibular defects.

Decision-making in reconstruction involves a thorough evaluation of the tumour characteristics, extent of resection, patient’s general health, functional goals, and aesthetic expectations. It involves a multidisciplinary team comprising surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and rehabilitation specialists. Factors such as age, comorbidities, smoking history, and previous treatments also influence the choice of reconstruction method.

Patients are closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) or high-dependency unit (HDU) immediately after surgery. Patients may stay in the hospital for a week or longer to ensure adequate wound healing, flap integration, and functional recovery. Depending on the extent of surgery and the functional deficits, patients may require physical therapy and rehabilitation such as exercises to improve swallowing, speech therapy.

Finally, recovery from free flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer involves several stages and requires close monitoring and support from healthcare professionals with the goal of achieving optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes while minimising ng morbidity and maximising patient quality of life.