The division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UTMB offers a comprehensive reconstruction for all cancer related and post traumatic defects for both children and adults.
We proud ourselves by implementing cutting edge and state of art technologies in planning your reconstruction. This will provide you with the most precise reconstruction of the defect.
Microvascular reconstruction is one of the most advanced options in restoring facial form and function following the removal of facial and oral tumors. These techniques are also used to repair defects caused from traumatic injuries. Tissue from the patient’s
own body are transplanted into the facial defects to restore function and appearance. These transplants (known as “flaps”) can be in the form of skin, muscle, bone, or any combination. The flap is removed from the body along with blood
vessels that supply nourishment to the flap. The blood vessels are reconnected to vessels around the facial defect under a microscope using sutures smaller than a human hair. Once blood flow is re-established, the transplanted tissue remains alive
just as it did in its original location. Because the flap is completely freed from another part of the body, this technique is often referred to as “free flap surgery” or “free tissue transfer.” This technique has a 95 percent
success rate, which is very favorable compared to other techniques. Please keep in mind that many cases are more appropriately reconstructed with alternative techniques.
While not all patients are candidates to undergo this form of reconstruction, our surgeons also perform many other forms of facial reconstructive surgery. The optimal reconstructive technique is tailored to each patient and chosen based on the patient’s
wishes, goals, and available options.
Dr. Marwan is fully trained Oral/Head and Neck microvascular Surgeon and he utilizes the Microvascular surgical techniques to immediately reconstruct the cancer related defects. In addition, He is trained to perform jaw reconstruction using the stem cells
and the tissue engineering techniques, without the use of bone graft from other region of the body, if indicated.
