Timing of reconstructive measures in maxillofacial tumor surgery

Timing of reconstructive procedures after tumor ablation in the head and neck continues to be controversial. Decisions depend on various interacting parameters, starting with the size and location of the defect, the type of deficient tissues, cause of the defect, dignity of the tumor and prognosis of the patient, need for adjuvant therapeutic measures, especially previous or planned radiation, the operability and physical fitness of the patient and last but not least the locally available techniques. A clear ranking order of prioritized therapeutic aims assists in making decisions with respect to the individual situation of the patient.