Reconstruction of Large Acquired Palatal Defects Using Facial-Submental Artery Island Flap

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and clinical effect of facial-submental artery island flap (FSAIF) in the repair of palatal defects, and to provide reference for the clinical application of submental artery island flap.Methods:Nine patients with palatal defects, the range of nasal palatal perforation defects were 3 cm × 4cm to 3 cm × 6 cm (median 3 cm × 5.4 cm), were repaired by FSAIF, and the sizes of FSAIF were 4 cm × 9cm to 4 cm × 12 cm (median 4 cm × 10.4 cm,). Postoperative clinical efficacy was evaluated, including infection and necrosis of mucosal flap and postoperative palatal fistula perforation. Patients were followed up to evaluate their chewing, swallowing, speech function, and satisfaction of appearance.Results:All patients were successfully repaired with FSAIF. Followed up 13∼35 months, there was no palatal fistula perforation in all patients. The speech, agitation, and swallowing function were not affected and the patients were satisfied with the appearance.Conclusion:FSAIF is a safe and reliable method for palatal defect repair.

Reconstruction of Acquired Segmental Mandibular Defects Using Pedicled Mandibular Muscle Flap and Evaluation of Speech Function and Aesthetic Outcomes

“…The total length of the main trunk of the subchin artery is 4.3 cm, and the blood supply includes the ipsilateral submandibular region and part of the lower lip and chin, which is rich in blood supply and can be a good choice for head and neck repair and reconstruction. 12 We have previously 13,14 repaired maxillary and zygomatic defects with a reverse facial-subchin artery island flap and achieved good therapeutic results. In this regard, this study investigated the possibility of applying a pedicled mandibular osteomuscular flap to repair mandibular segmental defects.…”

“…The inferior chin artery is a constant branch of the facial artery, which is medial to the scapulohumeral muscle, superior to the inferior border of the mandible, and terminates in the anterior belly of the bicipital muscle. The total length of the main trunk of the subchin artery is 4.3 cm, and the blood supply includes the ipsilateral submandibular region and part of the lower lip and chin, which is rich in blood supply and can be a good choice for head and neck repair and reconstruction 12. We have previously13,14 repaired maxillary and zygomatic defects with a reverse facial-subchin artery island flap and achieved good therapeutic results.…”

Managing massive palatial defect secondary to palatoplasty failures: an in-depth analysis

“…In these cases, a secondary surgery is required to either divide the bridge segment of the flap if a more robust flap is required, typically performed after a waiting period of approximately three weeks, or to re-advance the flap if the crucial distal tip is lost. Despite these challenges, the FAMM flap remains a highly valuable and widely used option for intraoral defect repair, offering a composite tissue solution and significant versatility in terms of shape, size, and reach, to address a multitude of oral cavity defects [37 ▪▪ ,38].…”