Taoyuan Hospital uses autologous rotational flap reconstruction to successfully help patients with advanced oral cancer restore function

September 5, 2026, 10:10

Dr. Wei-Chieh Chang, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Health and Welfare Taoyuan Hospital. (Photo by Zhou Min-Hong)

[Reporter Zhou Min-Hong / Taoyuan Report] A male patient in his sixties with stage IV oral cancer in Taoyuan City had a tumor that had invaded surrounding oral tissues, necessitating extensive tumor resection surgery. After evaluation by the medical team at the Ministry of Health and Welfare Taoyuan Hospital, it was decided to use an "autologous rotational flap" reconstruction method to repair the oral defect. This approach successfully restored the patient's oral function. Furthermore, due to good postoperative wound healing, the patient was able to proceed smoothly with subsequent treatment plans.

Individuals with habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or chewing betel nut are at high risk for oral cancer. Dr. Wei-Chieh Chang, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Taoyuan Hospital, stated that because early symptoms are often inconspicuous, patients frequently mistake oral ulcers caused by oral cancer for ordinary skin abrasions. They often seek medical attention only when the wound fails to heal over a long period or when a lump appears, by which time the cancer may already be at an advanced stage. In this patient's case, the tumor had even invaded surrounding oral tissues, requiring extensive resection, making reconstructive surgery a crucial component of the treatment.

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Dr. Chang explained that traditional reconstruction surgeries for large oral defects primarily rely on "free flap" reconstruction, which involves harvesting tissue from areas such as the forearm or thigh and re-establishing blood circulation through microvascular anastomosis techniques. However, this procedure is time-consuming, and postoperative care must carefully prevent vascular obstruction. Considering the patient's age and other conditions, the team decided to use an "autologous rotational flap" reconstruction method. This involves utilizing healthy tissue adjacent to the oral cavity or neck, rotating it to the defect site while preserving its original blood supply. This method eliminates the need for microvascular anastomosis, shortens surgical time, and reduces intraoperative blood loss, thereby lowering the complexity of postoperative care.

The patient recovered well after surgery, with oral function gradually returning, allowing him to proceed smoothly with the original treatment plan, including subsequent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Dr. Chang noted that autologous rotational flaps are not suitable for all patients. The most appropriate treatment strategy must be planned based on a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team including head and neck surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, oral surgeons, and oncologists, taking into account factors such as tumor location, extent of resection, and size of the defect.