I would appreciate any information on fibula free flap reconstructive surgery both positive and negative. My dentist has been carefully observing and has seen a definite shift in my bite. He recommends reconstruction and both he and the head and neck oncologist have told me that I can wait until after I go on Medicare in May. In the meantime, I am trying to find out exactly what is involved, particularly the recovery process, lasting effects and prognosis for success/failure.

Most of my left mandible was removed July 27, 2005. The ENT oncologist thought that I would probaly not need reconstruction for either cosmetic or functional reasons. We did consult with a plastic surgeon who explained the fibula free flap surgery. My husband and I agreed that I should wait until later for reconstruction if necessary. We had been on a medical roller coaster for the past 2 years and both the extended time in the OR and the recuperation from the additional surgery were more than we wanted to face.

Our oddessy began in spring 2003 when I decided that as I was soon turning 60 I would have my 1st mammogram and colonoscopy. The mammogram showed bilateral densities and I had to have ultrasound - everything checked out OK there. In the summer I decided to look into Laser surgery for my eyes and found out that I had the beginning of glaucoma and cataracts and immediately set up an appointment for cataract removal. In the fall I had esophogeal dilation for dysphasia. On follow-up I told the Gastroenterologist that I was having terible indigestion and he suggested a CT to see if there was a problem which had not shown up in my GI tract between the area examined in the colonoscopy and the subsequent endoscopy. Everything checked out fine there but a spot was found on each kidney. The result of that was that in January, 2004 I had a partial nephrectomy and found out that there was a malignancy which was encapsulated and had not mestastasised. [I just had an annual CT and after 3 years the second spot has not grown and the "bad" kidney is doing OK.] I also had to go through more tests for examination of a spot which was found on an ovary, but thank G-d it proved to be nothing to worry about. That summer my husband realized that he should have a colonoscopy. Some malignant cysts were removed and in July he had part of his colon removed and so far, no recurrance. In early 2005 my dentist noticed a pocket under a crowned tooth and monitored it for change. I was not concerned because I had a pocket under another crown for many years with no problems. In a followup exam there were definite changes and he set up an appointment for me with an oral surgeon. The result was that the biopsy taken indicated SCC and I was referrred to a head and neck oncologist.

Did you notice the date of surgery?? JULY, 2005. I was discharged on August 9 with a PEG tube because a fissure in my neck had not yet closed. That required changing dressings twice a day. I live in New Orleans. The infamous Madame Katrina came to town the end of August. Had I opted for the reconstruction, I probably would have still been in the hospital. As it was, I almost was sent to the extended care facility (at least a 6 week stay required) because of the fissure, but it was healing better than expected. We evacuated to Houston - what fun - driving all day and half the night while dealing with a feeding tube!!

Dear Malka - I'm not familiar with this particular surgery, but until you do hear from someone here that might have, you will find lots of information on free flap surgery if you go to the search function on the OCF home page:

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/search.htm

Just type in " fibula free flap reconstructive surgery", and you will see several links that could be helpful to you. Sounds like you and your husband have been through a lot in the past couple of years but I'm glad you found this site. It's the best place to be for important information and support. Hope things go better for you.