One-stage reconstruction for midfacial defect after radical tumor resection

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Midface defects following squamous cell carcinoma resection pose significant reconstructive challenges.
• Current reconstruction methods often require multiple stages and may not fully restore function and aesthetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an innovative one-stage reconstructive strategy for a complex midface defect resulting from hard palate cancer resection.
• To discuss the rationale and challenges associated with single-stage reconstruction for extensive midfacial defects.

Main Methods:

• A single-stage surgical reconstruction was performed for a midface defect after squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) resection of the hard palate.
• The reconstruction utilized a combination of a radial forearm free flap (upper lip), forehead flap (external nose), cantilever calvarial bone graft (nasal skeleton), and nasolabial flap with split-thickness skin graft (internal nasal lining).

Main Results:

• Successful one-stage reconstruction of a serious midface defect was achieved using a multi-component flap and graft strategy.
• The described approach addressed the complex anatomical and functional requirements of the midface following oncologic resection.

Conclusions:

• This one-stage reconstructive technique offers a viable and comprehensive solution for extensive midface defects after hard palate cancer surgery.
• The presented strategy highlights the potential for single-stage reconstruction to improve outcomes in challenging oncoplastic cases.