Background : Upper maxillary reconstruction of oncological defects remains a challenge for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

Objective : Assess the results after using different reconstructive techniques.

Methods : A retrospective study of 31 patients who underwent surgery due to upper maxilla cancer was carried out. The maxillary defects were reconstructed with different flaps and were defined according to Brown & Shaw classification.

Results : Used flaps were: (1) temporalis muscle flap (38%); (2) microvascular fibular free flap (26%); (3) microvascular radial forearm free flap (12%); (4) buccinators myomucosal flap (15%); (5) Bichat’s buccal fat pad or direct closure (8%). According to Brown & Shaw classification, the most common defect after resective surgery was type IIb. In most cases, the relationship between type of defect and used flap was: (1) microvascular fibular free flap: type II defects; (2) temporalis muscle flap: type Ib; (3) microvascular radial forearm free flap: types Ib and IIb; (4) buccinators myomucosal flap and direct closure: type I defects

Conclusions : Microvascular fibular free flap would be specially recommended for type II defects (b, c and d), temporalis muscle flap for type Ib and buccinators myomucosal flap for type I defects (a, b and c). Key words : oncological defects; maxillary reconstruction