Versatile Use of Buccinator Myomucosal Flap for Oral Cavity and Orbital Reconstruction

ABSTRACT

This paper represents the versatility of buccinator myomucosal flap for intraoral and orbital reconstruction of mild to moderate defect and we introduce recontructive methods are introduced along with our clinical experience. Buccal artery from internal maxillary artery is the main arterial pedicle, and buccal branch from facial artery also can supply blood for the buccinator muscle. The abundant blood flow from interconnected pedicles supports the reliable circulation of the buccal mucosa. So we could reconstruct the eye socket using reversed island buccinator myomucosal flap based on the angular vessel. The motor innervation of the buccinator muscle comes from the facial nerve. The buccinator muscle is considered to be a part of the sphincteric muscular system involving the functions of sucking, whistling, propelling food during mastication and voiding the buccal cavity. From 1990 to 1999, the flap was utilized in 8 patients to reconstruct the small to moderate intraoral defect and 1 patient for orbital mucosal defect. All flaps survived completely. There has been no flap necrosis and fistula. The results have been functionally and esthetically satisfactory. It is very reliable and safe flap with a minimal morbidity of donor site. It doesn't require microsurgical technique. Rapid healing may be achieved with its mucosal nature. We conclude that buccinator myomucosal flap can be widely used with a lot of advantages for intraoral and orbital defect because of its many advantages.