Clinical application of primary tumor contralateral facial artery musculocutaneous flap to reconstruct oral and maxillofacial defects / 华西口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aims to explore the method that uses primary tumor contralateral facial artery musculocutaneous (FAMM) flap to reconstruct defects of the tongue and floor of mouth.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six cases were selected for the use of primary tumor contralateral FAMM flap to reconstruct tongue and floor of mouth defects after tumor resection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The FAMM flap of the six cases had a long pedicle that could reach the contralateral tongue and floor of mouth. All flaps were intact until post-operation. All patients experienced post-operation complications, such as temporary facial tension and limited mouth opening, which improved after 3 months. Half a year later, the flaps still did not show signs of shrinking.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Features of the primary tumor contralateral FAMM flap include the tissue-like material provided for reconstructing tongue or floor of mouth defects, easy acquisition, and high survival rate with minimal donor site morbidity. As such, it is an ideal material for repairing tongue and floor of mouth defects.</p>