[Functional reconstruction of total lower lip defect with mental neurovascular V-Y advancement island flap.].
OBJECTIVE
To introduce a method of functional reconstruction for total lower lip defects.


METHODS
Six patients with lower lip cancer were treated by surgery from November 2007 to February 2009. The full thickness defects with a size from eighty percent to total lower lip were reconstructed with two triangular mental neurovascular island flaps of chin. The musculocutaneous and mucous flaps with neurovascular pedicles were advanced in a V-Y manner to close the defect and reconstruct the orbicularis oris muscle.


RESULTS
All flaps survived and no recurrence and complication were observed and showed excellent cosmetic and functional results over 6 months of follow-up. The reconstructed lower lips provided a wide-enough mouth opening, and the sensation of oral mucosa and the muscle function of oral sphincter were preserved.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique of mental neurovascular V-Y advancement island flap can get satisfactory results in both functional and the aesthetic perspects.
Shang
De-hao
DH
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110002, China.
Ge
Shu-fen
SF
Sun
Chang-fu
CF
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D018289:Carcinoma, Verrucous / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D008048:Lip Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps