Reverse facial–submental artery island flap for reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects following middle and advanced-stage carcinoma ablation

To assess the reliability of the reverse facial–submental artery island flap for reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects after resection of intermediate stage and advanced carcinomas, we studied 13 patients with stage III and IV squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oropharynx. They had all had their tumours excised followed by reconstruction of the oropharyngeal defect using a facial–submental artery island flap. There was no major failure of a flap, but two minor ones. The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve remained intact and undamaged. All donor sites healed well and scars were well-hidden. The functional results of speech and swallowing after 10–28 months’ follow-up were satisfactory. One patient developed lung metastases. The facial–submental artery island flap is a simple, reliable flap that can be used for reconstructing oropharyngeal defects after resection of medium and advanced carcinomas of the oropharynx.