Reconstruction of segmental hemi-mandibular defects using soft tissue flaps in patients with severe comorbidity and advanced head and neck cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The standard of care to reconstruct segmental oro-mandibular defects following head and neck oncological resection is to use osseocutaneous free-tissue transfer. Some patients however are not suitable for this type of complex reconstruction. The purpose of this paper is to study our results of soft-tissue flap reconstruction for segmental hemi-mandibular defects.


METHODS
Ten patients were included in the study, all had advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx or oral cavity and all had hemimandibulectomies.


RESULTS
In eight cases a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) free flap was used and in two cases a pectoralis major myocutaneous pedicled flap was used. Normal oral feeding was achieved in six patients with a mean time for discontinuation of tube feeding of 18 days.


CONCLUSIONS
In selected patients with severe comorbidity and advanced oro-mandibular cancer, soft tissue flaps may be used for segmental hemi-mandibular defects.


BACKGROUND
Oral cavity cancer - Free tissue transfer.
Jeannon
Jean-Pierre
JP
The Departments of Ear Nose & Throat-Head / Neck Surgery, Guy's & St Thomas'NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Orabi
Ahmad
A
McGurk
Mark
M
Ng
Roy
R
Roblin
Paul
P
Simo
Ricard
R