[Sensory function of FAMM flap: a report of 15 cases]

The facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap described by Pribaz in 1992 is a musculomucosa flap of the cheek plugged into the higher or lower facial pedicle artery. Indications in terms of substance losses in the oral cavity are numerous.

Twenty cases carried out from 2003 to 2006 at the Oscar-Lambret Neck Surgery Cancer Center are reported with a study first on record, then a study on 15 patients (three deaths, two flaps take away for local recurrence). The dimensions of the flap, its epicritic sensitivity, its sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, the Semmes-Weinstein test and a key test of pique were analyzed. A neck dissection was most often done in the cases studied, and did not advise against the flap.

The main indication was represented by tumors of the floor of the mouth. Individual susceptibility testing were broadly similar to the flap and on the opposite side healthy. The results seem to show that, as with skin flaps, there is a complete recovery of sensation.

This flap is very reliable and most often resensitizes. The low ligation of the artery during neck dissection does not jeopardize the survival (rich regional anastomoses). The FAMM flap makes up for the loss of medium size substance, it represents a very good solution between directed healing and more consistent skin flaps.