ABSTRACT
This paper evaluates the efficacy of different types of local flaps used in the closure of defects created in and around the oral cavity. Eighteen cases of oral and paroral defects resulting from trauma, infection or tumor ablation were repaired during a 4-year period, from January 1990 to December 1994. The surgical techniques employed in all cases included the use of local flaps such as the buccal flap, buccal fat pad, palatal rotational flap, tongue flap and the cheek advancement flap. These defects varied in size, the smallest being 8x9 mm and the largest 37 x 21 mm. In all 18 cases, healing was complete within 2 weeks, without a second operation. Assessment of the results both functionally and cosmetically was found to be very satisfactory. The reconstruction of defects of the oral cavity and lip with local flaps is preferred over other methods which employ the transportation of distant pedicle flaps, since these involve a second operation for their final repair. The use of local flaps also offers a satisfactory functional and esthetic result of reconstruction at one stage. Therefore, reconstruction with local flaps has great advantages for the patient