West China Journal of Stomatology ›› 2022, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (2): 204-209.doi: 10.7518/hxkq.2022.02.012

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Application of vascularized mucosal flap for early-medium-term tongue cancer and floor of mouth cancer defect repair: a preliminary study

Jiang Yueyun1(), Tang Lingling2, Ma Zhongkai1, Liu Wei1, Huang Nengwen1, Li Chunjie1()   

  1. 1.State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Dept. of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
    2.Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, People, s Hospital of Anshun City, Anshun 561000, China
  • Received:2021-09-24 Revised:2022-01-31 Online:2022-04-01 Published:2022-04-01
  • Contact: Li Chunjie E-mail:734302884@qq.com;lichunjie@scu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    The National Natural Science Foundation of China(U1813213);Department of Science and Technology Application Fundamental Project of Sichuan Province(2021YJ0129);Correspondence: Li Chunjie, E-mail: lichunjie@scu.edu.cn

Abstract: Objective

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap for small-medium tongue or floor of mouth defects caused by surgical resection of early-medium stage tongue or floor of mouth cancer.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted and included patients with early-medium stage tongue or floor of mouth cancer and reconstructed by FAMM flap or traditional free or axial flaps. Demographic data and surgery-related data were collected. Patients were followed up for 6 months and evaluated with satisfaction, maximal mouth opening, satisfactory contour and speech, and oral intake function at months 3 and 6.

Results

Forty-five patients were included, with 15 in the FAMM group and 30 in the flap group. All patients finished 3 months follow-up, and 1 in each group was lost to follow-up at month 6. All followed-up patients had no recurrence or metastasis. The FAMM group had a significantly shorter surgical time than the flap group (P<0.05). The flap group had significantly more donor sites that were uncomfortable compared with the FAMM group (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance on satisfaction, but the FAMM group had better outcomes on contour, speech, and oral intake function at month 6 than the flap group (P<0.05). The FAMM group had smaller maximal mouth opening than the flap group (P<0.05) at month 3 but equivalent maximal mouth opening at month 6 (P>0.05).

Conclusion

FAMM flap has some advantages for small-medium tongue or floor of mouth defects caused by surgical resection of early-medium stage tongue or floor of mouth cancer, and it could be an ideal choice for clinical application.

Key words: facial artery musculomucosal flap, reconstructive surgery, oral and maxillofacial defects, tongue cancer, floor of mouth cancer

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