[Reconstruction of oral defects using free revascularized jejunum transfer]

Reconstruction of the oral cavity after extended surgery poses many difficult problems. The vital functions of the oral cavity, especially swallowing, mastication and breathing, are seriously impaired by resection of the tongue, floor of the mouth, gingiva or jaw bone. We have used the free revascularized jejunal transfer for reconstruction of the oral cavity in 10 patients and have had good functional and cosmetic results. The advantages of this method are as follows: 1) it is a one-stage operation; 2) the flexibility of the graft preserves maximal tongue function; 3) the graft can be applied to difficult anatomic sites, and 4) the mucosal defect is covered with jejunal mucosa and induration is minimum. Our success rate with this procedure has been 90%. In our experience, this transfer is useful for reconstruction of a massive defect in the oral cavity.