Reconstruction of large maxillary defect with the use of vastus lateralis (VL) free flap. Case report

Large defects of the maxilla, following ablative surgery, significantly affect functions such as chewing, swallowing, speech and also the aesthetics. Reconstruction of soft tissues and bone defects can be achieved, either with the use of an obturator, or with free flaps. In the literature there is no sufficient evidence on the primacy of the one or the other method. The choice depends on the judgment, the experience and the ability of the surgical team. In recent years, the use of anterolateral thigh (ALT)free flap for reconstruction of large defects of the maxillary region, has gained a lot of popularity. The vastuslateralis free flap (VL) is a variation of ALT. VL’s advantages include long pedicle, easier harvesting, and fewer anatomical variations. We present a case of a 75 year old male with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the medial canthal region, invading the maxillary bone, the medial wall and the floor of the orbit. The patient underwent a total maxillectomy, orbital exenteration, and reconstruction with vastus lateralis free flap.