Objective evaluation of function of the lower lip reconstructed with a myocutaneous advancement flap.

Many surgical methods have been developed for reconstruction of extensive defects resulting from resection of lower lip cancer, with the aim of achieving of normal appearance and function. However, observers' subjective evaluation, which is the method usually employed, makes comparison of the outcomes of appearance and function obtained from different techniques difficult. In this paper, a speech intelligibility test and electromyography were used as objective means of evaluating the motor function of the reconstructed lower lip.