Double Microvascular Free Flaps via Flow-Through Technique—A New Paradigm in the Reconstruction of Complex Oromandibular Defects: A Case Series from a Tertiary Regional Cancer Care Center
摘要
A significant proportion of oral cancer patients in India seek treatment at regional cancer care centers only at advanced stages, predominantly stage III or IVa, resulting in extensive resection which has considerable impact on the quality of life. In the era of microvascular free flaps being the standard of care, for composite oromandibular defects, there is no single flap that adequately addresses all aspects of reconstruction, thereby necessitating the use of double free flaps.Case discussion: Our study includes a case series of four oral squamous cell cancer patients with extensive oromandibular involvement, reconstructed using free fibulaosteocutaneous flap (FFOCF) for bony support and intra-oral mucosal lining as well as acting as the conduit flap to perfuse a second flap, which ensures adequate extra -oral skin coverage with a single set of recipient vessels. The concept of sequentially linked flow through flap although well established in literature, is not widely practiced in reconstruction of complex head and neck defects. This article emphasizes the need for utilization of double flaps in extensive defects to ensure complete reconstruction with optimal functional and aesthetic outcome. The flow through technique represents an emerging paradigm, making reconstruction of extensive defects possible by addressing the intricate challenges posed by such defects by offering enhanced flexibility in flap configuration.