Bozola Flap for Oral Cavity Reconstruction in Patients with Tongue Cancer / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of a posterior-based buccinator myomucosal flap (the Bozola flap) for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects after tongue cancer resection. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Fifteen patients who underwent from 2014 to 2016 reconstruction of the oral cavity with a Bozola flap after surgical management of tongue cancer were enrolled in the study. Patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, and complications associated with the Bozola flap were evaluated. RESULTS: The flap was successfully harvested and transferred in all patients. The mean flap harvesting time was 25.3 min. The donor site was closed primarily in 14 patients, and a buccal fat pad flap was used in one patient. Although partial necrosis of the flap occurred in two patients, no other major complications were noted. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that the Bozola flap is a good option for reconstruction of moderate sized oral cavity defects in tongue cancer patients.