Reconstrucción microquirúrgica de defectos del tercio medio facial tras resección oncológica: Experiencia de 4 años

Background and Objective. Oncological diseases in the facial region can produce functional and aesthetic defects that significantly affect the quality of life. Microsurgery allows the adequate reconstruction of these defects, restoring function and aesthetics in order to improve patient's quality of life. This study presents our 4 years experience with microvascular free flaps for reconstruction of ablative midface defects after oncological resection. Patients and Methods. In a 4 years period, from 2011 to 2015, 17 patients with midfacial defects caused by oncological diseases were reconstructed using microvascular free flaps. We conduct a retrospective review of medical records for data collection, ablative procedures, reconstruction, and analyze complications and outcome of each patient. Results. Monitoring of patients was conducted through frequent follow ups in a minimum of 2 months to a maximum period of 44 months. Of the 17 patients involved in this study, 3 had tumor recurrence, 2 of them died, and 15 remain alive with good quality of life and assisting to clinical visits. Conclusions.We believe that free flaps are the most reliable and successful method for reconstruction of midfacial defects, in terms of aesthetic results and functional rehabilitation, with few complications that can be treated, and improving patient's life expectancy.