Free Gastric Flap for Oral Reconstruction-a Feasibility Study in Oral Defects

Free flap transfer is a standard practice in reconstruction of oral defects. Fasciocutaneous flaps are commonly used for reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Replacement of oral mucosa with skin often causes discomfort, foreign body sensation, dysgeusia, problems with skin hair and morbidity at the donor site. Morbidity at the donor site may interfere with physical activity among manual labourers.

We prospectively analysed nine cases of oral cavity defects reconstructed with free gastro-omental flap over 4 months from March to July 2019. A free gastric flap based on right and left gastric artery and vascular arcade was harvested from the body of stomach. Feasibility, technical aspects, advantages and disadvantages of the flap are reviewed.

Flap survival was 100%. No re-exploration for salvage was required. Flap was monitored for viability by colour change and capillary refill. All the nine cases healed well. One patient required readmission for bleeding from the raw area exposed at the margins of the flap. Patient satisfaction and quality of life was satisfactory. Long pedicle length, rich submucosal vascular network, dual pedicles available for anastomosis, like to like mucosal tissue replacement and low donor site morbidity make it a reliable option in the armamentarium of oral reconstruction.

Free gastro-omental flap is a feasible and reliable tissue available for reconstruction of oral soft tissue defects.