RECONSTRUCTION OF ORAL DEFECT BY THE FACIAL ARTERY MUSCULOMUCOSAL FLAP FOLLOWING ORAL CAVITY CANCER RESECTION
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Oral cavity carcinoma represents one of the most prevalent malignancies in the head and neck region, constituting approximately 30-40% of cases. The reconstruction of post-ablative defects plays a pivotal role in determining surgical outcomes. While multiple reconstructive modalities exist for oral cavity rehabilitation, there remains a paucity of literature regarding the application of the facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap in oral cavity reconstruction. Case Presentation: We present a 69-year-old male diagnosed with cT1N0M0 floor of mouth carcinoma who underwent wide local excision with clear margins, bilateral selective neck dissection (levels I, II, III), and subsequent reconstruction utilizing a FAMM flap for floor of mouth rehabilitation. Results: The total operative time was 120 minutes, with flap harvest and inset requiring 50 minutes. Postoperative course demonstrated excellent flap viability at day 10, with no immediate or delayed complications. Final pathological staging confirmed pT1N0M0 floor of mouth carcinoma. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 12 and has remained disease-free during quarterly surveillance over a 24-month follow-up period. Conclusion: The FAMM flap represents an efficacious reconstructive option for small to moderate-sized oral cavity defects, demonstrating favorable outcomes in terms of both functional and oncological parameters.
Article Details
Keywords
Oral-defect reconstruction, facial artery musculomucosal flap, oral cavity cancer, head and neck cancer
References
2. Ray E. Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery. Cancer treatment and research. 2018;174:123-143. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-65421-8_8
3. Pribaz J, Stephens W, Crespo L, Gifford G. A new intraoral flap: facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Sep 1992;90(3):421-9. doi:10.1097/00006534-199209000-00009
4. Sumarroca A, Rodríguez-Bauzà E, Vega C, et al. Reconstruction of oral cavity defects with FAMM (facial artery musculomucosal) flaps. Our experience. Acta otorrinolaringologica espanola. Sep-Oct 2015;66(5):275-80. doi:10.1016/j.otorri. 2014.10.003
5. Ayad T, Xie L. Facial artery musculomucosal flap in head and neck reconstruction: A systematic review. Head & neck. Sep 2015;37(9):1375-86. doi:10.1002/hed.23734
6. Ayad T, Kolb F, De Monés E, Mamelle G, Temam S. Reconstruction of floor of mouth defects by the facial artery musculo-mucosal flap following cancer ablation. Head & neck. Apr 2008;30(4):437-45. doi:10.1002/hed.20722
7. O'Leary P, Bundgaard T. Good results in patients with defects after intraoral tumour excision using facial artery musculo-mucosal flap. Danish medical bulletin. May 2011;58(5):A4264.
8. Céruse P, Ramade A, Dubreuil C, Disant F. [The myo-mucosal buccinator island flap: indications and limits for the reconstruction of deficits of the buccal cavity of the oropharynx]. The Journal of otolaryngology. Dec 2006; 35(6):404-7. Le lambeau myo-muqueux de buccinateur en ilot: indications et limites dans la reconstruction des pertes de substance de la cavité buccale et de l'oropharynx. doi: 10.2310/7070.2006.0004