Oromandibular reconstruction using a third free flap in sequence in recurrent carcinoma

Successful results of a second microsurgical reconstructive attempt have been reported previously in recurrent oral carcinoma. However, the feasibility of a third free flap following a third excision has remained to be determined. Six oral carcinoma patients with multiple recurrences, surgical excisions and free flap reconstructions on three separate occasions are presented. Resections had a curative intent in all cases in the first and second ablations and in four of the six cases in the third one. Five radial forearm flaps and one double free flap were used for the first reconstruction. During the second reconstruction two radial forearm, two fibula osteoseptocutaneous, one double free flap and one rectus femoris flap were used to reconstruct the larger defects resulting from excision of the recurrent tumours. However, no vascularised bone transfers were performed following the third excision and soft tissue free flap plus plate option was used for segmental mandibular defects. There was one partial flap loss among 21 free flaps performed. Three patients died within an average of 8 months following the third reconstruction while the others remained alive, surviving an average of 6 months. In conclusion, a third free tissue transfer for reconstruction in multiply recurrent oral carcinoma was found to be feasible, safe and effective. The use of free flaps contributed to the prevention of complications in these difficult cases and enabled the patients to spend the remaining days of their lives outside hospital.