The reliability of submental flap for soft tissue reconstruction in patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity

Abstract

BackgroundThe submental island flap (SIF) is a reliable option for reconstruction of the defects of the oral cavity following cancer resection. Advantages include reliable axial vascular pedicle, low donor site morbidity, good functional and cosmetic outcome, shorter operative time and lower cost compared to free flap reconstruction. Materials and methodsA total of 32 consecutive patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity were included in this study. All patients underwent resection and immediate reconstruction with SIF pedicled the submental vessels. Donor and recipient site morbidity, functional outcome, and locoregional recurrences are reported. ResultsThe study included 22 males (69%) and 10 females. The mean age was 54 years (range of 31–79 years). The most common primary tumor site was the tongue (15 patients, 47%), followed by the buccal mucosa, alveolar margin, floor of mouth, lower lip and hard palate. In 25 patients (78%) the flap survived completely. Complete flap loss occurred in one patient (3%). Six patients (19%) developed complications related to flap vascularity. 21 patients (66%) resumed normal diet, while 11 patients (34%) tolerated only soft diet. Over a median follow up was of 15 months (range of 3–62 months), 21 patients (66%) are alive and disease free, while 8 patients died, of whom 4 of locoreginal recurrences. ConclusionsSIF is reliable for reconstruction of the intraoral soft tissue defects following cancer resection. The functional and cosmetic outcomes are satisfactory and donor site morbidity is low. Careful patient selection is necessary for favorable outcome.