The temporal fasciocutaneous island flap for oncologic oral and facial reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE
This study reports the anatomy, operative technique, and postoperative results of the temporal fasciocutaneous island flap (TFCIF), as used for facial and intraoral reconstruction.


METHODS
Retrospective study of 15 patients who underwent TFCIF reconstruction. The anatomic basis and surgical technique are described. The flap was used for mucosal reconstruction after cheek or maxillary resection. It was used for facial tissue loss in 2 cases: orbital osteoradionecrosis and exposure of a mandibular reconstruction plate.


RESULTS
This technique provides a safe and rapid solution for intraoral reconstruction; however, it cannot be used for the anterior floor of the mouth. The best indication that we have found is the reconstruction of hemimaxillectomy, allowing closure of buccosinusonasal communication and prosthetic rehabilitation. The main disavantage is that hair regrowth limits its use to patients who need postoperative radiotherapy. Donor site morbidity is minimal. Only a partial failure was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The TFCIF is a rapid, safe, and useful flap for oral and facial reconstruction after oncologic resection. Its arc of rotation limits, however, its use to the posterior part of the oral cavity.
Lopez
Raphael
R
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital Purpan, Toulouse, France.
Dekeister
Céline
C
Sleiman
Ziad
Z
Paoli
Jean-Roch
JR
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002610:Cheek / Q000601:surgery*; D005205:Fascia / Q000637:transplantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000601:surgery*; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D013703:Temporal Muscle; D014680:Veins / Q000601:surgery