Functional reconstruction of total lower lip defect with mental neurovascular V-Y advancement island flap.

Abstract

To introduce a method of functional reconstruction for total lower lip defects. Six patients with lower lip cancer were treated by surgery from November 2007 to February 2009. The full thickness defects with a size from eighty percent to total lower lip were reconstructed with two triangular mental neurovascular island flaps of chin. The musculocutaneous and mucous flaps with neurovascular pedicles were advanced in a V-Y manner to close the defect and reconstruct the orbicularis oris muscle. All flaps survived and no recurrence and complication were observed and showed excellent cosmetic and functional results over 6 months of follow-up. The reconstructed lower lips provided a wide-enough mouth opening, and the sensation of oral mucosa and the muscle function of oral sphincter were preserved. The technique of mental neurovascular V-Y advancement island flap can get satisfactory results in both functional and the aesthetic perspects.