OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of clinically applying facial-submental artery island flaps on primary reconstruction of oral floor defects following cancer ablation. STUDY DESIGN: Facial-submental artery island flaps were used to repair defects in the floor of the mouth after cancer ablation in 7 patients (5 men and 2 women; age range, 43-64 years; average age, 51.2 years). Two patients were classified as T(1)N(0)M(0), and 5 were classified as T(2)N(0)M(0). The skin paddles ranged in size from 4.0 x 10.0 cm to 5.0 x 11.0 cm. RESULTS: Six flaps survived completely, and the success rate was therefore 86% (6 of 7). The remaining flap showed minimal partial necrosis. All of the patients were followed for 6 to 25 months. The speech and swallowing functions following surgery were well recovered, and the patients were satisfied with their facial appearance. CONCLUSION: Facial-submental artery island myocutaneous flaps are suitable for repairing small and medium-sized defects of the oral floor. Copyright 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of clinically applying facial-submental artery island flaps on primary reconstruction of oral floor defects following cancer ablation. STUDY DESIGN: Facial-submental artery island flaps were used to repair defects in the floor of the mouth after cancer ablation in 7 patients (5 men and 2 women; age range, 43-64 years; average age, 51.2 years). Two patients were classified as T(1)N(0)M(0), and 5 were classified as T(2)N(0)M(0). The skin paddles ranged in size from 4.0 x 10.0 cm to 5.0 x 11.0 cm. RESULTS: Six flaps survived completely, and the success rate was therefore 86% (6 of 7). The remaining flap showed minimal partial necrosis. All of the patients were followed for 6 to 25 months. The speech and swallowing functions following surgery were well recovered, and the patients were satisfied with their facial appearance. CONCLUSION:Facial-submental artery island myocutaneous flaps are suitable for repairing small and medium-sized defects of the oral floor. Copyright 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.