Head and neck cancers include oral cavity cancers (squamous cell carcinoma), salivary gland tumours, skin cancers (squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma), jaw tumours (ameloblastoma, angiofibroma, giant cell tumours) and tumours of the nasopharynx and oropharynx.
They are treated by a multidisciplinary team of ENT and oncological surgeons, plastic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, speech therapists and dieticians. After the tumour is excised, a reconstructive procedure by a plastic surgeon — ideally at the same time as the cancer surgery — gives the best result.
How the Reconstruction Is Done
Dr Vybhav Deraje uses an advanced Leica operating microscope for these complex procedures and, for suitable patients, the GEM microvascular anastomotic coupler.
Loss of Skin
Skin is borrowed locally or from a distant site. Most commonly skin from the thigh (anterolateral thigh, ALT flap) or the forearm (radial forearm flap) is transferred using microsurgical techniques.
Loss of Bone
Bone is borrowed from the leg (fibula flap) or the hip (DCIA flap).
When Muscle Is Needed
Muscle is borrowed from the thigh (gracilis flap) or the back (latissimus dorsi flap).
Need More Information?
Call +91 95355 81616, email connect@drvybhavderaje.com or book an appointment online .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reconstruction done at the same time as cancer surgery?
Usually yes. Reconstruction by a plastic surgeon in the same operation as the tumour removal gives the best functional and aesthetic result.
Where does the tissue for reconstruction come from?
Skin is most often taken from the thigh (ALT flap) or forearm (radial forearm flap), bone from the leg (fibula) or hip (DCIA), and muscle from the thigh (gracilis) or back (latissimus dorsi), all transferred with microsurgery.
Which hospitals in Bangalore does Dr Vybhav Deraje operate at?
Five hospitals: Aster Whitefield Hospital, Gifted Hands Hospital (HRBR Layout), Aarogya Hastha Hospital (Sarjapur Road), Medicover Hospital (Whitefield) and Apollo Spectra Hospital (Koramangala).
This page is general information written by Dr Vybhav Deraje for patients and families. It does not replace an individual consultation; treatment plans depend on clinical assessment.