Reconstruction of floor of mouth defects by the facial artery musculo-mucosal flap following cancer ablation.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study is to review our experience with the use of the facial artery musculo-mucosal (FAMM) flap for floor of mouth (FOM) reconstruction following cancer ablation to assess its reliability, associated complications, and functional results.


METHODS
This was a retrospective analysis of 61 FAMM flaps performed for FOM reconstruction from 1997 to 2006.


RESULTS
No total flap loss was observed. Fifteen cases of partial flap necrosis occurred, with 2 of them requiring revision surgery. We encountered 8 other complications, with 4 of them requiring revision surgery for an overall rate of revision surgery of 10% (6/61). The majority of patients resumed to a regular diet (85%), and speech was considered as functional and/or understandable by the surgeon in 93% of the patients. Dental restoration was successful for 83% (24/29) of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The FAMM flap is well suited for FOM reconstruction because it is reliable, has few significant complications, and allows preservation of oral function.
Ayad
Tareck
T
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Institut Gustave Roussy, 39 rue Camille Desmoulins, 94805 Villejuif, France.
Kolb
Frédéric
F
De Monés
Erwan
E
Mamelle
Gérard
G
Temam
Stéphane
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008080:Liposarcoma / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D009336:Necrosis; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013065:Speech Intelligibility; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology