Total midface reconstruction after radical tumor resection: a case report and overview of the problem

We report an unusual repair of a massive midface defect resulting from resection of a recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule. The defect included both maxillas, the hard palate, the upper lip, and all nasal and perinasal tissues. After treatment, reconstruction was accomplished using prostheses and autologous tissue transferred from local and distant sites. The osseous component of the transferred tissue permitted placement of osseointegrated implants for fixation of maxillary and nasal prostheses. The rationale for this reconstruction and the problems associated with midface reconstruction after radical tumor resection are discussed.