Oral and maxillofacial reconstruction using the free rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. Various modifications for reconstruction sites.

The rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap consists of the skin paddle, anterior rectus sheath, rectus muscle and deep inferior epigastric artery and veins. Of these four components, the skin paddle, rectus sheath and rectus muscle could all be adjusted appropriately for reconstruction sites. Only one or two large perforators in the paraumbilical region could easily supply the large abdominal wall. The bulkiness of the rectus abdominis flap is reduced by removal of subcutaneous fat and rectus muscle. These possibilities can provide many modification of the flap for various reconstruction sites. 16 cases were reconstructed primarily and secondarily using this flap after oral and maxillofacial tumour ablation. The results of these cases indicated a very favourable and reliable vascularity. The rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was considered to be one of the most suitable flaps for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction. Various modifications for different reconstruction sites are mainly discussed.