The feasibility of facial-submental artery island myocutaneous flaps for reconstructing defects of the oral floor following cancer ablation

ObjectiveThe 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 designFacial-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 T1N0M0, and 5 were classified as T2N0M0. The skin paddles ranged in size from 4.0 × 10.0 cm to 5.0 × 11.0 cm.ResultsSix 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.ConclusionFacial-submental artery island myocutaneous flaps are suitable for repairing small and medium-sized defects of the oral floor.