Free Fibula Flap Mandibular Reconstruction

Free fibula flap mandibular reconstruction is a procedure to repair damage to the lower jaw. This surgical procedure is performed in cases such as severe facial trauma, congenital deformities, and cystic fibrosis. It is a serious surgery as it aims to reconstruct the patient’s mandible.  The term free flap implies that the tissue source is taken from another part of the body. This is because the bone to be used in the procedure is taken from the donor site in the body. 

The free fibula flap mandibular reconstruction procedure consists of specific steps. The most important thing to know about this surgery is that we build the jawbone from fibula tissue. In this process, we provide the patient with comprehensive information and carry out the procedure in the following steps:   

• The anatomical compatibility between the patient’s fibula bones and the lower jaw is examined and necessary plans are made. This process is carried out using imaging techniques and computed tomography.   
• During the treatment planning process, the patient consults with maxillofacial surgeon, dentist, and plastic surgeon.    
• In preparation for surgery, a fibula graft, which is a special tissue in the leg area, is taken.    
• The fibula flap mandibular defect is prepared for the placement of the graft.   
• The surgery is performed together with the plastic surgeon, neck surgeon, and dentist.    
• Maxillofacial surgeon removes the tumor from the soft tissue. The procedure continues with the plastic surgeon removing tissue, bone, and skin from the donor area. 
• In the reconstruction process, the plastic surgeon does fibula-free flap transplant tissue from the donor site and builds the jaw. The bone is shaped and matched to the part removed from the jaw.    
• Then, under a microscope, veins and arteries are taken from the free fibula flap donor site. They are connected to a vein and artery in the head and neck area.   
• The created jawbone is attached to the relevant area with fixation tools such as plates and screws. By placing stitches on the face and neck, soft tissues are connected. 

All the above procedures take about 6-8 hours to complete. Immediately after the operation, the patient’s vital signs are monitored, and they are taken out of anesthesia. Various medications, such as painkillers and antibiotics are then given.   

Some complications may occur in the donor and recipient flap areas. In particular, conditions such as swelling, infection, and bleeding are closely monitored and intervened when necessary. After the operation, temporary support rods and rubber bands may be placed in your mouth. They help you maintain the alignment of your jaw.   

Our clinic adopts special approaches for mandibular reconstruction with fibula. We focus on patients’ health and quality of life during this surgical intervention. Accordingly, we use the most advanced technological equipment with our specialists in different fields.   

Our team of surgeons, who are experts in the free fibula flap technique, offer reliable and accurate solutions. We aim to rebuild the deformed bone in the jaw of our patients with special approaches. Thus, we help our patients achieve a healthy and aesthetic appearance.  

Free fibula flap mandibular reconstruction surgery offers many advantages. First of all, this surgical procedure rebuilds the jawbone that has been severely damaged. It is therefore an important form of treatment and offers the following benefits:   

• It meets aesthetic and functional requirements, as the fibula bone is compatible with the jawbone.   
• Since bone tissue is taken from the lower leg, the vessels are strong and large. This ensures adequate blood flow during colectomy.   
• The procedure is also suitable and favorable for children. This is because the fibula graft can grow and take shape as the child grows.   
• When the surgical intervention is completed, the person’s jaw problems disappear.   
• When applied in the right steps, it offers long-term results as the graft has high durability.   

To see the advantages of free fibula flap mandibular reconstruction, it is necessary to apply it correctly. As Hospitaprime, we offer many privileges to our patients in this process. We bring aesthetic and functional solutions by taking the necessary precautions during and after surgical intervention. Our clinic in free fibula flap surgery in Istanbul makes it possible to perform this specialized procedure. 

Potential Complications in Free Fibula Flap Mandibular Reconstruction

Free fibula flap mandibular reconstruction can cause some potential complications. Because this procedure involves serious and complex steps. The jaw part in the facial skeleton is very difficult to shape. Therefore, some undesirable results may occur. Free fibula flap complications are as follows:   

• Flap loss    
• Inflatable    
• Agri    
• Fistula    
• Scars    
• Infection, bleeding, and swelling    
• Asymmetric appearance on the face    
• Wound tearing   
• Hematoma    
• Ankle instability   
• Morbidity at the donor site   

Free fibula flap risks and complications are significant. It is therefore well worth taking precautions in advance. We perform this complex surgical procedure with our surgical team specializing in different fields. Since post-operative health status is important, we keep our patients under surveillance. Thus, in case of any problems that may occur, we intervene immediately and take the problems under control.  

How Long Does Free Fibula Flap Mandibular Reconstruction Take? 

Free fibula flap mandibular reconstruction is an operation that takes approximately 6-8 hours. Because it is a complex and delicate surgery, it takes hours. This duration may change depending on the extent of the damage to the patient’s jaw. Thus, it is vital to be prepared for long hours of operation.    

Recovery Expectations After Free Fibula Flap Mandibular Reconstruction   

Free fibula flap recovery average takes 6 or 12 months. Since it is a serious surgery, it is not possible to leave the hospital immediately after the operation. For this reason, the patient stays in the hospital with companions for a few days or weeks. During this period, he/she is kept under constant monitoring and his/her health condition is closely monitored. Free fibula mandibular reconstruction recovery process stages are as follows:   

• Painkillers should be used by the specialist to control the pain.    
• The wound in the operated area is expected to heal. When kept clean and dry, it will heal rapidly. 
• Since it is a surgical intervention that affects the jaw and teeth, care should be taken with nutrition. For this reason, preference should be towards liquid and soft foods such as soup, fruit, and boiled eggs.   
• The leg area where the fibula graft was taken is also expected to heal. The risk of infection is controlled with antibiotic treatment administered by the doctor.  

Recovery is very important in the process of free fibula flap surgery. Because possible risks and complications can be taken under control during this period. For this reason, going to regular doctor’s check-ups after the surgery and following the instructions accelerates the process. Throughout the healing process, we keep a close eye on the health condition of our patients. We apply any necessary interventions and ensure that important instructions are followed.  

Success Rates of Free Fibula Flap Mandibular Reconstruction at Hospitaprime   

The free fibula flap success rate is quite high at our clinic. We offer professional and reliable healthcare services with our strong team of experts. One of them is the surgical procedure just mentioned.   

The procedure consists of complex and delicate steps. Despite this, we offer successful results with our experienced and specialized surgeons. So, you can choose our clinic for free fibula flap surgery in Turkey. We have gained the satisfaction of patients as a result of many operations we have performed. You can evaluate the success rates by examining the free fibula flap surgery before and after photos.    

Why is Hospitaprime Successful in Free Fibula Flap Mandibular Reconstruction?   

Our clinic is highly successful in free fibula flap mandibular reconstruction. It is preferred by most patients for its effective results. The following advantages characterize us as a leading clinic:    

• Expert and experienced team of surgeons    
• Patient-oriented approach    
• Fast and healthy healing process    
• Close follow-up after surgery   
• Technological infrastructure   
• Evaluate results and give instructions    

Our areas of expertise include jaw, neck, and plastic surgery. We also offer healthy and aesthetic solutions in dentistry. Therefore, all these are the elements that show our success.  

Why Should You Choose Hospitaprime for Free Fibula Flap Mandibular Reconstruction? 

Free fibula flap mandibular reconstruction is a serious surgery, so it is important to perform each stage meticulously. Thanks to the best surgeon for fibula flap reconstruction in our clinic, we offer special solutions to each of our patients.  

Our health center in Turkey offers advanced and high-level treatment services to everyone. You can contact us for detailed information about free fibula flap surgery costs, the treatment process, and special cases.