Vascularized iliac crest with internal oblique muscle for immediate reconstruction after maxillectomy

The vascularized iliac crest graft with internal oblique muscle as a method of reconstruction after maxillectomy has been used routinely at the Regional Maxillofacial Unit in Liverpool since 1993. Twenty-four consecutive operations have now been done and this paper reports an audit of our experience. An analysis of case-notes was made retrospectively after checking theatre diaries and records. A detailed inspection of the case-notes was undertaken to ascertain the presenting diagnosis, the complications and the outcome in terms of recurrence and disease survival. The type of defect was recorded, as was whether it had been possible to rehabilitate the patient both dentally and facially. At the time of this study 9 patients (38%) had died of their disease leaving 15 surviving. In 13 cases full dental and facial rehabilitation had been achieved or patients were waiting for an implant-retained prosthesis. Donor site problems important enough to be recorded in the notes were minimal, one case of abdominal wall weakness was noted, which required no intervention. The vascularized iliac crest graft with internal oblique muscle offers a complete solution for reconstruction after maxillectomy, providing there has been no sacrifice of the overlying facial skin and oral sphincter. There is sufficient height and depth of bone to maintain a facial profile and the muscle epithelializes to provide an ideal oral and nasal lining. This flap provides a base to enable full dental and facial prosthetic rehabilitation with either implant-retained or conventional prostheses.