Microvascular Reconstruction and Free Flap for Maxillary Necrosis Secondary to Cancer

Microvascular Reconstruction and Free Flap for Maxillary Necrosis Secondary to Cancer

This patient has Maxillary Necrosis secondary to cancer and will need microvascular reconstruction and free flaps. Our fundraising goal for this pro bono case is $10,000 and will cover ICU time and operating room expenses in Guatemala.

Microvascular reconstruction involves transferring tissue (skin, muscle, bone, or a combination) from one part of the body (donor site) to the maxilla (recipient site) to reconstruct the defect. The transferred tissue, known as a free flap, includes its own blood vessels, which are meticulously reconnected to blood vessels in the head and neck region using microsurgical techniques under a microscope. This ensures the flap receives adequate blood supply to survive and integrate with the surrounding tissue. The procedure is commonly used after cancer ablation surgery to address defects caused by tumor removal or necrosis.

Reflections: Dr. Simon Oh @subwrx04

“This patient lost her entire palate, nasal septum, and upper jaw. We used her fibula bone and skin, and connected it to blood vessels in her neck to reconstruct her upper jaw and palate. The first of several reconstructions but no longer needs to have tissues in her nose to talk, and will be able to eat and drink without it going into her nose.

Lots of tears of joy here in Guatemala.

Thank you to @patelomfs @hashtagomfs @drjccamarata @dr.z.brown @robertofuentesvelasquez for generously lending a hand to help these people.

Huge shoutout to @rampagejackson for your support for what we’re trying to accomplish!

If you would like to support our pathologic surgery cause, donate at give.smileback.org

If you want to go fast, go alone If you want to go far, go together

Viva ORCAA. Viva Guatemala 🇬🇹”