Free submental flap for defects reconstruction after oral cancer ablation / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical application of free submental flap for defects reconstruction after oral cancer ablation.Methods Eleven cases of free submental flaps for defects reconstruction after oral cancer ablation from April,2013 to May,2014 were reviewed.The primary disease,defect type,flap side,flap size and flap survival rate were recorded.The follow-up data of tumor recurrence,lymph node metastasis,as well as postoperative facial appearance and function of marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve were collected.Results Primary disease of all 11 cases was oral squamous cell carcinoma.No flap failure was reported and the overall flap survived.The follow-up period was 6-18 months with the average of 9 months.There was no tumor recurrence and metastasis of lymph node.Postoperative facial appearance was satisfactory and there was no nerve injury of marginal mandibular branch which showed normal and symmetrical expression motion.Conclusion Free submental flap owns many ad vantages including constant anatomy,long vascular pedicle,wide range of indications and low donor-site morbidity.Contralater submental flap may avoid potential lymph node metastasis.Free submentai flaps is an ideal choice for reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects after cancer ablation.