Soft tissue reconstruction of the oral cavity

Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for carcinomas of the oral cavity. The effect of soft tissue resection on quality of life in this patient population can be particularly devastating. Successful rehabilitation requires restoration of function along with maintenance of cosmesis. To this end, there have been a proliferation of different techniques used for reconstruction. These techniques have evolved from simple closure (eg, the gump deformity) to free flap reconstruction with composite tissue. The particular technique used to reconstruct the soft tissue defect must address the many functions that the oral cavity performs. This review will encompass advances in reconstruction of the soft tissues of the oral cavity.