Regional flaps in maxillofacial and oral soft-tissue reconstruction: Experiences and challenges in a developing country

Abstract

Background: Maxillofacial and oral defects are complex to reconstruct because of the intricate nature of tissues. The aim of this study is to present our experience in maxillofacial and oral soft-tissue defects reconstruction using regional flaps. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of maxillofacial and oral soft-tissue reconstruction (MFOSTR) in the Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery of a University Teaching Hospital, northwest Nigeria, over a 4 years' period. Data such as age, sex, diagnosis, type of flap used, complications, and prognosis were collected and analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows Version 20 (Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp). Results: A total of 64 MFOSTRs were performed during the study out of which 22 (34.4%) were done using regional flaps. They consist of 10 (45.5%) males and 12 (54.5%) females, with a male: female ratio of 0.8:1. Cancrum oris (17 [77.3%]) was the main indication for regional flap utilization in the MFOSTR. Deltopectoral flap (18 [81.8%]) was the most commonly used flap in our series. Other flaps used were; pectoralis major 3 (13.6%) and latissimus dorsi 1 (4.5%) flaps. Total flap failure was observed in 3 (13.6%). Conclusion: Despite personnel and infrastructure deficit in developing countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa, maxillofacial and oral reconstruction in our hospital has achieved some success. Patient selection is important for overall flap success.