Reconstruction design before tumour resection: A new concept of through-and-through cheek defect reconstruction

•This study provides a new concept of through-and-through cheek defects reconstruction.•This new method makes the effect of plastics and reconstructions to a new height.•This new method dramatically improves the quality of life for buccal cancer patients.

ObjectiveTo explore a new method of reconstruction of through-and-through cheek defects and to evaluate this method's efficacy and patient prognosis.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included 70 patients who underwent reconstruction of through-and-through cheek defects. The surgical approach, design of facial skin incisions, selection and design of flaps, postoperative quality of life and prognosis of patients were recorded and reported.ResultsPostoperative quality of life gradually increased over time, and the mean scores of University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) Questionnaire was more than 80 at 1-year postoperatively. The appearance, oral competence, chewing, swallowing, speech and other oral functions were well recovered in about 90% of patients at 1-year postoperatively.ConclusionThis new idea of reconstruction before tumour resection, brings the effect of plastic and reconstructive surgery to a new height.