Reconstructive Surgery After Cancer Resection

Primary methods include microvascular free flaps like anterolateral thigh (ALT), fibular osteocutaneous, and radial forearm flaps. These transfer vascularized bone, muscle, skin from donor sites (leg, thigh, arm) to replace resected tissues in maxillofacial, oral cancers. Computer-assisted planning and intraoperative navigation optimize precision.

Procedure Steps

Tumor excision precedes immediate reconstruction: vessels anastomosed under microscope (>90% success). ALT perforator flaps suit soft tissue; fibular for bony mandible/maxilla gaps. Postoperative radiotherapy follows for oncologic control.

Benefits and Outcomes

Restores mastication, cosmesis; reduces complications versus prosthetics. Multidisciplinary teams (onco-surgeons, plastics) tailor for composite defects, yielding good oral function in most. Risks include flap failure (rare), donor morbidity.