Buccinator myomucosal flap: clinical results and review of anatomy, surgical technique and applications.
BACKGROUND
The buccinator musculomucosal flap is an axial-pattern flap based on either the buccal or the facial artery. We present our experience with this flap and describe its surgical anatomy, the surgical techniques utilised to raise the flap and its clinical applications.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had had buccinator myomucosal flaps created at the Groote Schuur Hospital between 1999 and 2004. Patients were also recalled to assess flap sensation and to record reduction of mouth opening as a consequence of donor site scarring.


RESULTS
Of the 14 patients who had had a buccinator myomucosal flap created, there was one flap failure. Sensation was present in 71 per cent of flaps, and there was no trismus due to donor site scarring.


CONCLUSIONS
The buccinator myomycosal flap is a dependable flap with good functional outcome and low morbidity.
Van Lierop
A C
AC
Division of Otolaryngology, University of Cape Town Medical School, South Africa.
Fagan
J J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009055:Mouth / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome