Reconstruction of Extensive Composite Oromandibular Defects with Simultaneous Free Anterolateral Thigh Fasciocutaneous and Fibular Osteocutaneous Flaps

ABSTRACT

Massive composite defects of the face are difficult to reconstruct. Such defects are usually created after ablation of advanced cancers of the head and neck region. The use of a free fibular osteocutaneous flap for the bone and mucosal lining of the oral cavity and anterolateral thigh flap for the outer cutaneous lining are well established. We present our experience of using these two flaps simultaneously in the reconstruction of such defects and to evaluate the outcome. There were a total of 10 patients in our study. Their average age was 48.8 years. All had squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Their pathological stages were mostly stage T4 with only one case being T3. Flap survival was 100%. The application of dual free flaps, though technically more demanding, allows good orientation of the flaps. Seven patients maintained a good functional outcome. They were able to eat a soft diet. Their speech was easily comprehensible. The combination of a free anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fibular osteocutaneous flap can be performed safely with adequate functional outcome. This combination of flaps should be considered for this group of patients.

KEYWORDS

Two free flaps - double free flap - simultaneous free flap

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