Old Age Lower Lip Cancer Defects Reconstruction by Abbe-Estlander Flap

Abstract

Summary: Reconstruction of lower lip defect is a challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Microvascular free flap is the main choice for lip cancer reconstruction recently but still have several morbidities presented, especially for elderly, like long surgical time and difficulty in denture fabrication. The purpose of this report is to discuss the indication and select the appropriate reconstruction technique for old age lower lip cancer patients with defects. We present 2 cases of old age (65 and 73 year-old age) lower lip cancer males who received wide excision with lower lip defects more than one half. The defect was reconstructed by Abbe-Estlander flap and secondary revision surgery was performed after 3 weeks. Oral competencies were well preserved and dentures were well adapted. After 6 months, there was no saliva leakage and esthetic results were ideal. Based on our experience, Abbe-Estlander flap is an easy and reliable reconstruction technique for elderly lip cancer patients with defects less than one half. Keywords: Abbe-Estlander, defect, lower lip