Submental Artery Island Flap in Reconstruction of Hard Palate after wide Surgical Resection of Verruccous Carcinoma, Two Case Reports

Iran J Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 Jun;25(72):177-81.

Abstract

Introduction: Reconstruction of intraoral soft tissue defects is important in restoring function and esthetic. In large defects, there will be demand for regional pedicle flaps or free flaps. Hard palate separates nasal and oral cavities. Due to the small surface area between flap and remaining palate after surgical resections, optimal blood supply of the flaps for hard palate reconstructions are needed.

Case report: This article demonstrates immediate reconstruction of two edentulous hemimaxillectomy patients with submental artery Island flap and brief review of this flap discussed.

Conclusion: Submental Artery Island flap is an effective and reliable method for intraoral reconstruction of large soft tissue defects of oral cavity. Donor site morbidity is low and remaining scar is inconspicuous. Head and neck surgeons familiar with facial artery and its branching pattern make this flap an appropriate choice for clinical practice.

Keywords: Facial artery; Hemimaxillectomy; Surgical flaps.

Publication types

  • Case Reports