Extended lower trapezius myocutaneous flap for repair of defects after resection of recurrent oral carcinoma

Abstract

To explore an effective repairing method for oral and maxillofacial soft-tissue defects after resection of recurrent oral carcinoma. Six patients with recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma (R-OSCC) of tongue (n = 2), oral cavity floor (n = 2) and buccal (n = 2) were treated with salvage surgery and the oral and maxillofacial soft-tissue defects were repaired primarily by extended lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap (TIMF). No flap failure occurred. The donor sites were primarily closed. There were no disabilities with regard to shoulder motion. The life period of the patients was 13 to 30 months and the average life period was 22.6 months after the operation. The TIMF, which is a simple, reliable and large flap can be preferred as a salvage procedure for oral and maxillofacial soft-tissue defects after treatment of R-OSCC.