Primary maxillary reconstruction after cancer excision.

Eleven patients who underwent primary maxillary reconstruction following cancer excision are presented. Low partial and high partial maxillectomies are recognised, as are the more radical excisions. Skin grafts, a temporalis muscle flap, free radial forearm flaps, single paddle, double paddle and triple paddle latissimus dorsi free flaps and a latissimus serratus, rib composite flap have been utilised. Oncological aspects and secondary reconstructive problems are detailed. Six patients have survived; three have died of recurrent disease and two of myocardial infarction some time after surgery.