[The use of the jejunum free flap in the reconstruction of the oral cavity].

The rapid development of surgical techniques in the head and neck area has greatly assisted in enabling reconstructive surgery to bring about prompt positive results. Radical tumor excision alone is no longer an acceptable treatment. Through new reconstructive techniques, psychological and social isolation of the patients, due to difficulties in such vital functions as chewing, speech, swallowing and breathing, can be reduced remarkably. In the past numerous techniques which employed myocutaneous flaps in the reconstruction of the oropharynx have been described. During the last ten years, however, many Authors have proposed the use of free flaps for this reconstructive surgery. Our Department presents its personal experience in reconstruction of the oral cavity using the jejunal flap, which facilitates superior physiological and histological adaptation when compared to that had with other flaps. Our histological study shows metaplastic transformation of the columnar epithelium into squamous epithelium (similar to oral cavity epithelium), phenomenon already observed in "cervix uteri" and anorectal area. The primary reconstruction with a free revascularized jejunal loop associated with mandibular replacement offers certain significant advantages such as satisfactory reconstruction of large defects, high flexibility of the flap and a productions of mucous which cleans the surface of transplants. Furthermore, the mesenteric foot tissue serves as good transplant material for extended soft-tissue loss. In agreement with a Study begun by Carrel in 1906 and that of Reuther (1982), we believe that reconstruction of large defects in the oral cavity by means of transplantation of the mucosa is the ideal treatment.