ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Italian Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery 2014 December;25(2-3):49-54

Copyright © 2016 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

lingua: Inglese

Versatility of adipo-fascial forearm free flap in oral cavity reconstruction

Cortelazzi R. ¹, Altacera M. ², Turco M. ², Marsano G. D. ³, De Benedittis M. ³

¹ Departement of Maxillofacial Surgery, Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, Medical University of Bari, Bari, Italy; ² Departement of Maxillofacial Surgery, “F. Miulli” Regional Hospital, Bari, Italy; ³ Graduate School of Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University of Bari, Bari, Italy

AIM: The Authors report their experience in reconstruction of oral soft tissue of non-functional areas using adipo-fascial forearm free flap and a combined fascio-cutaneous/adipo-fascial forearm flap.
METHODS: Seventeen patients were treated from December 2009 to June 2013: 7 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the inferior gingiva-fornix-floor of the mouth; 4 SCC of the superior gingiva-fornix-hard palate; 1 SCC of the hard and soft palate; 5 SCC of the cheek. Fourteen adipo-fascial and 3 composite fascio-cutaneous/adipo-fascial forearm free flap were harvested.
RESULTS: All flaps survived without complications. By 6 to 8 weeks the adipo-fascial component of the flap became smooth surfaced and appeared closely adapted to the underlying bony contour. Patients were able to comfortably wear implant-supported prostheses and had no functional impairment in tongue movement or mouth opening.
CONCLUSION: Adipo-fascial forearm free flap is a reliable reconstructive option in non-functional areas of the oral cavity, with minimal donor site morbidity.