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Reconstruction of large upper lip defects by free tissue transfer
1Department of Plastic Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia. kresimirbozikov@yahoo.com
Acta Chirurgiae Plasticae
|September 24, 2008
Summary
Microvascular free tissue transfer effectively reconstructs large upper lip defects, restoring oral competence and function. This method avoids microstomia and offers acceptable aesthetic outcomes for patients.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Reconstructing large upper lip defects presents significant challenges.
- Treatment options include local flaps and microvascular free tissue transfer.
Observation:
- Seven patients with near total or total upper lip defects underwent microvascular reconstruction.
- Six patients received non-innervated radial forearm flaps, and one received a non-innervated anterolateral thigh flap.
Findings:
- All patients achieved good functional and aesthetic results, maintaining oral competence for rest, eating, and speaking.
- Deglutition and articulation remained unaffected.
- Reasonable sensory recovery was noted in three of four evaluated patients.
Implications:
- Fascio-cutaneous free flaps offer excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes for upper lip reconstruction.
- This technique avoids microstomia, preserving mouth size crucial for denture users.
- A limitation is the lack of orbicularis oris muscle sphincter competence.