A Practical Approach to Oral Cavity Reconstruction: From Grafts to Flaps

Monday, October 13, 2025

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EDT

Location: 120

Disclosure(s):

Rodrigo Bayon, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Brent A. Chang, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Andrea M. Ziegler, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Matthew E. Spector, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Head and neck reconstruction has shifted to increasingly utilize microvascular reconstruction as the versatility and reliability of free flaps have improved over time. However, there continues to be a role for lower rungs on the reconstructive ladder. Allografts, skin grafts, local flaps, and regional tissue transfer afford the benefit of minimal donor site morbidity and avoid the need for microvascular expertise with smaller volume defects. The panelists will review the appropriate indications for various oral cavity reconstructive defects and define the “tipping point” when a free flap may be required. In addition, the presentation will provide technique for optimal outcomes for various reconstructive surgeries including skin grafts, regional flaps, and microvascular reconstruction.

This topic will be handled through a panel presentation that will include both didactic and interactive components. A brief introduction will review classifications schemas of various defects of the oral cavity based on key features of the defects (10 minutes). This will be followed by a moderated three case discussion with experts input analyzing the reconstructive subsite including the oral tongue/floor of mouth, buccal mucosa and hard palate. The aim is to provide comprehensive otolaryngologists with practical guide for management of oral cancer and its associated defects.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Identify the classification schemas of oral cavity defects

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Demonstrate reconstructive indications and limitations of grafts, local, regional, and free flap reconstruction of oral cavity defects

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Identify a “tipping point” for microvascular reconstruction of oral cavity defect

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: There is a need to identify the threshold for performing free tissue transfer reconstruction for many comprehensive otolaryngologists who are interested in treating early stage oral cavity cancer.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

Moderator(s)

Rodrigo Bayon, MD

Associate Processor
University of Iowa Health Care
Iowa City, IA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Panelist(s)

Rodrigo Bayon, MD

Associate Processor
University of Iowa Health Care
Iowa City, IA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Moderator(s)

BC

Brent A. Chang, MD

Associate Professor
Mayo Clinic Arizona
Phoenix, AZ, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Panelist(s)

AZ

Andrea M. Ziegler, MD

Assistant Professor
Loyola University Medical Center
Maywood, Illinois, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Matthew E. Spector, MD

Professor
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.