Reverse facial artery-submental artery deepithelialised submental island flap to reconstruct maxillary defects following cancer ablation

Objective

The present study assessed the reliability of the reverse facial artery-submental artery deepithelialised submental island technique to reconstruct maxillary defects.

Methods

The study included 13 patients (9 men and 4 women; 43–62 years) with maxillary defects resulting from cancer ablation. Ten patients presented with maxillary gingival squamous cell carcinoma and the remaining 3 cases were hard palate squamous cell carcinomas. The maxilla was resected and the remaining defects were classified as Class 2a. Reverse facial artery-submental artery deepithelialised submental island flaps measuring 8–10 cm in length and 4–5 cm in width were used to reconstruct the defects.

Results

Twelve of the 13 flaps survived. No donor-site problems or palsy of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve occurred. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 24 months, 1 patient died as a result of local tumour recurrence and 2patients developed cervical recurrence.

Conclusion

The reverse facial artery-submental artery deepithelialised submental island flap is safe, quick and simple to use or elevate. The flap is a reliable technique for reconstructing maxillary defects following cancer ablation.