Free profunda femoral artery pedicled gracilis chimeric myocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of defect after buccal mucoca squamous cell carcinoma resection

Abstract

Objective To explore the application of free profunda femoral artery pedicled gracilis chimeric myocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of defect after radical resection of buccal mucoca squamous cell carcinoma. Method From January 2014 to May 2016, 12 cases with buccal mucoca squamous cell carcinoma underwent radical resection, leaving buccal mucoca defect which was reconstructed by free profunda femoral artery pedicled gracilis chimeric myocutaneous flap at the same stage. The buccal mucoca defect was reconstructed with skin paddle, the mouth floor cavity was filled with muscular flap. Result The Length of free profunda femoral artery pedicled gracilis chimeric myocutaneous flap was (9.0±0.3) cm, the width of flap was (4.5±0.3) cm, the thickness of flap was (1.8±0.4) cm.The length of pedicle was (7.4±0.6) cm.All 12 chimeric perforator flaps survived uneventfully, the defects at the donor sites were closed directly in all cases. All patients were followed up for 10-28 months (14.8 on average) with satisfied esthetic and functional results in flap reconstruction. The swallowing and speech function was satisfactory. No local recurrence happened. Only linear scar was left in the donor sites, the function of thighs was not affected. Conclusions The free profunda femoral artery pedicled gracilis chimeric myocutaneous flap is an ideal choice for reconstruction of the defect after radical resection of buccal mucoca squamous cell carcinoma. Key words: Perforator flap; Profundal femoral artery; Chimeric flap; Free flap transplantation; Buccal mucosal squamous cell carcinomas