Evaluation of complications and flap losses in mandibular reconstruction with microvascularized fibula flap

The mandibular defects caused by mandibulectomies can involve esthetic and functional sequelae in patients. The fibula presents positive aspects and can be used as an option for mandibular reconstruction after tumor resections or extensive traumas. Furthermore, this retrospective study of the patients who have passed through a mandibular reconstruction with a microvascular fibular flap over the last 17 years describes the experience of the Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryService at the ErastoGaertner Hospital, Curitiba/PR. The use of this flap type has a complication rate of 32.3%, which includes the fixation material exposure, flap resorptions, fistulas, pathological fractures, tumor recurrence, infections, seromas, and thrombocytopenia. Most of them are associated with patients who have received radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. These data suggest a high frequency of complications when a reconstruction plate fixation is used. Minor complications are usual and they should not be overlooked because they can lead to devastating consequences.