Bin Yang1, Ming Su1, Hua Li1, Jinzhong Li1, Jiajie Ouyang1, Zhengxue Han2. 1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China. 2. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China. Electronic address: hanf1989@hotmail.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of submandibular gland flap with facial artery and vein pedicle, for repairing defects following tumor resection in the infratemporal region. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients, including eight males and seven females ranging in age from 21 to 73 years, underwent surgical resection of tumors in the infratemporal region. Tumors were exposed using the submandibular incision approach and completely resected after pulling and rotating the mandible laterally. Mandibular osteotomy was performed for larger tumors or those that were not completely exposed. After tumor resection, the submandibular gland flap was used to fill up the residual defect following tumor resection. RESULTS: The incisions healed well without exudation or infection (primary healing) postoperatively in all the patients. Long-term follow-up showed no tumor recurrence in all cases. Seven of the patients who underwent mandibular ramus osteotomy had numbness of the lower lip due to inferior alveolar nerve injury. No other complications were observed postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The submandibular gland flap with facial artery and vein pedicle is a reliable, effective, and easy approach for repairing the defects caused by tumor resection in the infratemporal region, and has great potential for application in the clinical setting.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of submandibular gland flap with facial artery and vein pedicle, for repairing defects following tumor resection in the infratemporal region. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients, including eight males and seven females ranging in age from 21 to 73 years, underwent surgical resection of tumors in the infratemporal region. Tumors were exposed using the submandibular incision approach and completely resected after pulling and rotating the mandible laterally. Mandibular osteotomy was performed for larger tumors or those that were not completely exposed. After tumor resection, the submandibular gland flap was used to fill up the residual defect following tumor resection. RESULTS: The incisions healed well without exudation or infection (primary healing) postoperatively in all the patients. Long-term follow-up showed no tumor recurrence in all cases. Seven of the patients who underwent mandibular ramus osteotomy had numbness of the lower lip due to inferior alveolar nerve injury. No other complications were observed postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The submandibular gland flap with facial artery and vein pedicle is a reliable, effective, and easy approach for repairing the defects caused by tumor resection in the infratemporal region, and has great potential for application in the clinical setting.