FACIAL ARTERY MUSCULOMUCOSAL FLAP IN THE RECOSTRUCTION OF THE ORAL CAVITY

Aim. In this study the indications, surgical technique, advantages, disadvantages and possible complications of the facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap are reported. We analize our clinical experience with this flap for intraoral recostruction after tumor resection. Methods. Between January 2002 and March 2003, this method of reconstruction was used in 9 patients who underwent oncological resection involving different regions of the oral cavity. Two of the patients were women and 7 were men, and they ranged in age from 41 to 82 years. In 1 case, the defect affected the lower lip, in another the oral pelvis, in 3 cases the tongue, and in 4 the anterior oral floor. Results. All the flaps…