Angularis oris axial pattern buccal flap for reconstruction of recurrent fistulae of the palate.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the use of an axial pattern flap based on the angularis oris artery and vein for reconstruction of palate defects.


METHODS
Clinical case report


METHODS
Two dogs with recurrent oronasal fistulae.


METHODS
Oronasal fistulae previously treated by buccal mucosal random pattern flaps that subsequently dehisced were repaired using an angularis oris-based buccal tissue axial pattern flap. This flap was developed by full thickness incision of the cheek tissue, excluding the skin, about the angularis oris vascular pedicle resulting in a vascularized flap covered by oral mucosa on one side.


RESULTS
In one dog, the repair was intact and healed 6 months after surgery. In the second dog with a fistula that resulted because of radiation necrosis, approximately 95% of the defect healed with a small (<1.0 cm(2)) area of dehiscence. Repair of this persistent fistula with a random pattern buccal flap failed and this small fistula remained with minimal clinical signs.


CONCLUSIONS
An axial pattern flap based on the angularis oris artery and vein can be used to repair difficult or recurrent palate defects.


CONCLUSIONS
Angularis oris axial pattern flaps provide an additional effective option for repair of defects in the hard and soft palate to the distal gingival margin of the canine tooth or beyond, depending on skull conformation. Advantages of this flap include its highly vascular and robust character, high degree of mobility and a surface of tough buccal mucosa.
Bryant
Karen J
KJ
Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53706, USA.
Moore
Kenneth
K
McAnulty
Jonathan F
JF
D000818:Animals; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D002296:Carcinosarcoma / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016155:Oral Fistula / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D012008:Recurrence; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000662:veterinary*; D014945:Wound Healing