Buccal flap: is it still useful for intraoral reconstruction

Abstract

Aim To evaluate usefulness of the buccal flap as a reconstructing tool for various surgical defects in the oral cavity. Study design Retrospective observational study. Materials and methods Retrospective charts reviews of 15 patients, with carcinoma of the oral cavity in whom a buccal flap was used to repair the defect after excision of the primary lesion, were reviewed. All these patients were called for follow-up and analysed for functional and aesthetic outcomes. Results All flaps survived successfully. Three had marginal necrosis of the flap which was managed conservatively. Mild chewing difficulty and trismus were other problems commonly encountered. Conclusion Buccal flap is a sensate, easy to harvest local flap with well-defined neuro vascular bundle that can be used in reconstructing various surgical defects of oral cavity and oropharynx thus obviating the need for distal tissue transfer.