Comparison of different reconstruction flap for maxillofacial region: An original research

Abstract

Introduction: Large chunks of the tissue are sacrificed during the surgical procedures for the treatment if oral cancers. Our goal was to assess the viability of “Buccal reconstruction using the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps, platysma myocutaneous (PM), and radial forearm free (RFF)”. Material and Methods: Sixty subjects were included in this investigation, and they were divided into 3 groups. The follow-up as accompanied for six months. Comparisons were made for the time for the operations, reduction in the width of the mouth opening and the survival rates of the flaps. The data that was collected for the above two parameters and compared for the significance using the ANOVA, keeping P < 0.05 as significant. Results: In the subjects with the PM, the width of the mouth opening reduced comparatively greater than that of the subjects who received other two flaps. The reduction in the mouth opening in the PM was significantly greater compared to that of the ALT and RFF. Survival was greater for the groups ALT and RFF compared to PM. Time of the surgery was the greatest for the ALT and least for the PF. Conclusion: The observations point to the fact that the PF requires more time than that of the other two flaps. The survival was however better for the ALT and RFF. Further research is suggested for suggesting an appropriative flap design.

Keywords

• anterolateral thigh flap
• platysma myocutaneous flap
• radial forearm free flap
• reconstruction