ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical effect of submental island flap.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The influence of head and neck radiotherapy and neck lymph node metastasis on the flap was analysed. The clinical effect in the near future and longterm of submental island flap for defects repair was evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirty-eight submental island flap were applied for reconstruction of head and neck defects following cancer ablation between July of 1997 to December of 1999. 16 of these had preoperative radiotherapy at both donor site and receive site, and neck dissections with resection of primary lesions were simultaneously performed in 18 patients. The success rate was 89.5% (34 of 38). All repaired cases had well matched skin with facial surface and excellent texture for intraoral function.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Routine preoperative radiation does do not influence the success and healing of the flap. For tumor complete resection, appropriate cases should be chosen. We believe this flap is worthwhile in addition to the existing armamentarium of reconstruction options both facially and intraorally.</p>