Reconstruction of lower lip defects after tumor excision: an aesthetic and functional evaluation

We are presenting a new questionnaire to evaluate the functional and aesthetic aspects after reconstruction of defects of the lower lip resulting from tumor excision. The questionnaire is based on objective parameters with numerical values. The application of the questionnaire is carried out based on 2 different surgical techniques, which have been used in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of La Princesa University Hospital in Madrid. These techniques are used in the reconstruction of surgical defects and concern the location and percentage of the lip resection. These techniques are the rotation-advancement flap by Yu and the rotation-advancement in island flap by Colmenero et al. The defects are located laterally and they include 40% to 60% of the length of the lip, avoiding the commissure. There is also one case with a defect that is almost 100% of the length of the lip. According to the questionnaire, we conclude that in unilateral defects that exceed 50% (up to 70%), Yu's technique provides better results from an aesthetic and functional point of view than Colmenero's technique. In subtotal defects, bilateral Yu flaps provide optimum function, with good position of the scars. This is a technique to be considered when confronted with extensive defects of the lip that do not include the commissures.