Fibular free flap in mandible reconstruction, a long-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Fibula free-flap mandible reconstruction is the gold standard in mandibulectomized patients due to bone or oral cavity tumors. Long term follow-up and complications of this procedure are barely reported. OBJECTIVE: To know long term outcomes of patients with fibula free-flap. METHOD: Clinical evaluation of patients with fibula free-flap mandible reconstruction, 10 years after procedure. Patients intervened from 1996 to 2006 were included, clinically assessing: oral functionality, habitual dietary intake, complications and aesthetic satisfaction. RESULTS: 87 patients were included; 70 of them with bone tumors and 17 with oral carcinomas. Were successful 73 flaps, and 14 got total or partial loss, so, they were excluded. In all cases dietary regimen was similar to their original one before resection; even when in average, 3 years were necessary to get this normal intake. Any of them required major re-operation during the follow-up period and there was no late loss of the flap either. Functionality was considered normal in 100% of the cases and 80% considered themselves as aesthetically satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Fibula free-flap offers a secure alternative for long term mandibular reconstruction.