Occult stenosis of the common carotid artery complicating mandibular reconstruction with a fibular free flap

An unsuspected severely stenosed common carotid artery that compromised a free flap for mandibular reconstruction is described. To our knowledge no one has advocated the assessment of the carotid tree before transfer of free tissue. We suggest that patients with several risk factors for peripheral vascular disease should have colour flow duplex imaging of the carotid system if transfer of free tissue is being considered.