Patient Learning
Understanding your oral or oropharyngeal cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction
Being diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer can feel overwhelming, but understanding what to expect at each stage can help you and your loved ones navigate the journey with reassurance. This video will guide you through the key steps before, during, and after oral or oropharyngeal cancer surgery. You'll learn about the surgical process, how to prepare, and what to expect during recovery.
What you'll learn
- What is oral or oropharyngeal cancer?
- What is a free flap?
- How to prepare for oral cancer surgery?
- What you can expect after surgery
- How long will you stay in hospital
- How to care for yourself when you get home?
Explore this video
Click on timestamp to jump to a video chapter
This video was a collaboration project with Head and Neck Surgery group at Toronto General Hospital:
Dale Brown, LRCP & SI FRCSC
Romeo Cruz, MN BScN RN
John De Almeida, MD MSc FRCSC
Ralph Gilbert, MD FRCSC
David P. Goldstein, MD FRCSC FACS
Jonathan Irish, MD MSc FRCSC FACS
Sharon Tzelnick, MD MPH
Christopher Yao, MD FRCSC