The pedicle superficial temporalis fascial flap in oncologic reconstructive surgery of the oral cavity: how we do it and its functional results.
OBJECTIVE
The authors described how they perform a pedicle superficial temporalis fascial flap in oncologic reconstructive surgery of the oral cavity and evaluated its functional results.


METHODS
A prospective study was performed in an university hospital from September 2001 to July 2007.


METHODS
Nine male patients underwent a pedicle superficial temporalis fascial flap to repair a soft tissue loss in the oral cavity following a tumour extraction (seven cases) or to repair osteoradionecrosis (two cases).


RESULTS
Twelve months after the intervention, a correct functional state was restored in seven out of nine cases and the anatomical congruence was correct in eight out of nine cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The pedicle superficial temporalis fascial flap can be useful in the reconstruction of the oral cavity, especially for patients who underwent radiotherapy. This flap was shown to be reliable, with acceptable post-operative complications, though it requires surgical experience. It is of interest for posterior and/or superior oral cavity reconstruction because the flap length, which is considerably reduced by its arc of rotation and by its path near the zygomatic process, does not allow for reconstruction of the anterior floor of the mouth. Because this flap is thin, only moderate soft tissue loss can be repaired.
Pons
Y
Y
Hôpital du Val de Grâce, Clinique d'ORL et de Chirurgie de la face et du cou, 74 Boulevard de Port Royal, 75230 Paris cedex 05, France. pons.yoann@gmail.com
Gauthier
J
J
Pons-Ukkola
E
E
Clément
P
P
Conessa
C
C
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps