FACIAL ARTERY MUSCULOMUCOSAL FLAP IN THE RECOSTRUCTION OF THE ORAL CAVITY

Aim. In this study the indications, surgical technique, advantages, disadvantages and possible complications of the facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap are reported. We analize our clinical experience with this flap for intraoral recostruction after tumor resection. Methods. Between January 2002 and March 2003, this method of reconstruction was used in 9 patients who underwent oncological resection involving different regions of the oral cavity. Two of the patients were women and 7 were men, and they ranged in age from 41 to 82 years. In 1 case, the defect affected the lower lip, in another the oral pelvis, in 3 cases the tongue, and in 4 the anterior oral floor. Results. All the flaps were harvested and transposed successfully. One patient developed dehiscence of the surgical wound in the cheek region, exposing the reconstructed mandibular plate, which was used to fix an osteocutaneous fibula free flap. There were no cases of infection at the donor site. Conclusion. The FAMM flap is an excellent option for reconstruction. It provides a well-vascularized mucosal component sustained by a small quantity of muscle tissue, so the degree of retraction is minimal. The constant course of the facial artery is sufficiently precise to allow quick and secure harvesting of the flap. The donor site is closed immediately without functional or aesthetic alterations of the cheek area. The rapidity of healing reduces patient discomfort and hospital costs.