ReviewMaxillary artery based flaps for oral cavity reconstruction, a review

- Flaps based on maxillary artery branches can be used for oral cavity reconstruction but there is any review in this topic.
- Seven soft tissue flaps based on the maxillary artery branches are available.
- Flaps based on the maxillary artery branches are strongly recommended when the facial artery has been ligated/sacrificed.
- Soft tissue flaps derived from maxillary artery, can be used for facial reconstruction even after radiotherapy to the face.
- Face lymphatic is always along the facial vein, so maxillary artery based flaps are oncological safe flaps.

BackgroundThere are different flaps based on the branches of the maxillary artery. Flaps based on the maxillary artery branches can be used for oral cavity reconstruction in selected cases, but there is lack of comprehensive review in this topic.MethodsA literature review was performed on Medline for maxillary artery based flaps and oral cavity reconstruction. Surgical techniques for each possible variant of maxillary artery based flaps and an example of each situation for oral cavity reconstruction is explained.ResultFive variants of soft tissue flaps based on maxillary artery branches are presented. Some of them such as temporal flap, superiorly based masseter flap, palatal flap and posteriorly based buccinator myomucosal flap are famous flaps, while posteriorly based inferior turbinate flap is less noticed for oral cavity reconstruction. Nasoseptal and infraorbital based flaps are two other maxillary artery based flaps but have no role in oral cavity reconstruction.ConclusionMaxillary artery based flaps should be considered as an option especially in previously radiotherapy/surgically operated patients with facial vessels sacrifice.