Free tissue transfer in oromandibular reconstruction. Necessity or extravagance?

The challenges of oromandibular reconstruction have spawned tremendous progress and controversy in recent years. Foremost has been the development of free-tissue transfer. The selection of autogenous composite grafts whose volume and features closely approximate those of the ablative defect seems attractive, but are free flaps for everybody? This article defines the goals of the elusive "ideal" oromandibular restorative technique and compares the numerous options available to today's surgeon.