Di Wu, Lieqiang Liao, Zhiming Liu, Honghong Yan, Zhuming Guo and Xue-kui Liu
Background and purpose: Maxillary and cheek reconstruction is one of the most challenging tasks for surgeons. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical application and therapeutic efficacy of the maxillary and the through and through cheek defects reconstructed with titanium mesh and folded free anterolateral thigh flap.
Materials and methods: Between October 2010 and May 2013, 16 patients were treated for maxillary reconstruction with titanium mesh and folded free anterolateral thigh flap at Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center. Intra-operatively, the titanium mesh was fixed to the residual bones for the reconstruction of hard-tissue defects after tumor resection; then the anterolateral thigh flap was harvested and folded to repair the through and through cheek defects, serving as the intraoral lining and titanium mesh covering
Result: Apart from one total flap loss, 15 of the 16 free ALT flaps survived. All of the patients achieved a satisfactory facial appearance. No major complications or donor site morbidity occurred.
Conclusion: Reconstruction of maxillectomy defects and the through and through cheek defects using titanium mesh in combination with folded free anterolateral thigh flap is a feasible and acceptable option.
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