Original articleDonor site morbidity in buccinator-based myomucosal flaps: A retrospective study

BackgroundBuccinator-based myomucosal flaps can be used as a lining in oral cavity, pharyngeal, esophageal, and nasal reconstructions. Donor site morbidity is an important factor in selecting a flap, therefore, it was decided that donor site morbidity of this type of flap should be evaluated.MethodIn a retrospective study, patients for whom this flap had been used for oral, nasal, or pharyngeal reconstruction in 2008-2012 were recalled. Donor site morbidity including reduction in maximal interincisal opening (MIO), obliteration of the mandibular vestibule, injury to the Stensen duct, and vertical fibrous band in buccal mucosa were evaluated.ResultsTwenty-two buccinator-based myomucosal flaps (20 patients) had been used for oral, nasal, or oropharyngeal reconstruction. The most common flap used was the Facial Artery Musculomucosal (FAMM) flap (50%), and the commonest cause for flap use was the presence of a cleft lip/palate sequel in patients (45%). Four patients had developed complications (minimal reduction in MIO) related to the donor site.ConclusionDonor site morbidity associated with buccinator-based myomucosal flaps is low. However, minimal reduction of mouth opening occurred in 20% of the patients.