Skin grafting in oral cavity reconstruction

Abstract

Objectives The intent of this article is to help define the role skin grafts have in the reconstruction of oral cavity defects. It also illustrates the technique used and refined over the last 10 years at the authors’ institution. Description Skin grafting remains a very useful method of reconstructing soft tissue defects in the oral cavity. It allows for the reconstruction of the tongue, floor of mouth, buccal mucosa, and maxillectomy defects. Its ability to prevent tethering and preserve tongue mobility is extremely important. This method of reconstruction requires the harvesting of a medium thickness skin graft that is bolstered with sutures into the defect. The need to immobilize the skin graft with a bolster is very important in order to prevent sheering and graft loss. The bolster is then removed after five days, at which time the graft can be assessed. Minimal debridement should be performed initially, and small amounts of graft loss are usually well compensated for; however, complete graft loss will require regrafting of the defect. Conclusion Skin grafting is a very useful method of reconstruction for specific oral cavity defects. The reconstructive technique revolves around a few key principles that are easily learned, and a successful skin graft allows for the preservation of mastication and speech.