ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of complex defects repair between using chimeric anterolateral thigh flap and series-wound flaps after resection of oral and maxillofacial cancer. MethodAfter resection of oral and maxillofacial cancer, defect was repaired with chimeric anterolateral thigh flap in 39 patients between January 2011 and July 2014 (chimeric anterolateral thigh flap group); and defect was repaired with series-wound flaps in 35 patients between January 2009 and December 2010 (series-wound flaps group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, duration of disease, tumor type, tumor staging, defect location, and defect area between 2 groups (P>0.05) . The operation time, flap harvesting and microvascular anastomosis time, stomach tube extraction time, and oral feeding time were recorded and compared between 2 groups, and postoperative complications were observed; the effectiveness was evaluated according to clinical efficacy evaluation table of bone and soft tissue defects reconstruction surgery in oral and maxillofacial region. ResultsVascular crisis occurred in 2 cases of chimeric anterolateral thigh flap group, and 4 cases of series-wound flaps group. Partial necrosis appeared at distal end of a series-wound flaps, and oral fistula and infection developed in 3 series-wound flaps. The other flaps and the grafted skin at donor site survived; wounds at recipient site healed by first intention. The operation time, stomach tube extraction time, and oral feeding time of chimeric anterolateral thigh flap group were significantly shorter than those of series-wound flaps group (P<0.05) , while the flap harvesting and microvascular anastomosis time was significantly longer than that of series-wound flaps group (P<0.05) . The patients were followed up 1-5 years (mean, 2.5 years). At 3 months after operation, the appearance, patients' satisfaction, working conditions, oral closure function, chew, language performance, and swallowing scores of the chimeric anterolateral thigh flap group were significantly better than those of the series-wound flaps group (P<0.05) , while there was no significant difference in diet, mouth opening degree, oral cavity holding water test, and occlusion scores between the 2 groups (P>0.05) . ConclusionsUsing chimeric anterolateral thigh flap for defect repair after resection of oral and maxillofacial cancer can significantly shorten the operation time, accelerate postoperative rehabilitation, and help the functional recovery of oral closure, chewing, language performance, swallowing function when compared with the series-wound flaps.