Soft tissue flaps for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction

This compilation represents an overview of the different options for reconstruction in the oral cavity and face using loco-regional soft tissue flaps.Though not complete in every respect, it represents the collated opinion of multiple authors who have worked extensively on the area of interest. To the modern practicing maxillofacial surgeons multiple options exist in order to address a clinical situation demanding attention to tissue loss. The options chosen for reconstruction must give due weightage to the nature and composition of the tissue sought to be replaced, donor site considerations and the general health of the patient specifically with respect to his ability to tolerate such a procedure. The simplest, proven option with least morbidity should be the guiding factor for determining the choice of reconstructive procedure. The advances in reconstructive surgery particularly the advent of vascularised free tissue transfer should not be considered as signaling the end of the usefulness of simpler and easy to execute loco-regional pedicled options.