[Upper lip plasty by Karapandzic: modifications of the method]

The study presents two modifications of the method of Karapandzic in the operative treatment of malignant tumors of the lower lip. The first modification is applicable in initial stages of the lower lip cancer, originating from preceding leukoplakia. The modification presents a different design of the flap from one of the sides, which gives a better mobilization of the tissues and a higher level of oncological radicality compared with the method of "lip shave". The second modification corresponds the excision of the triangle from the mucosa, after the von Burow method. That modification was performed routinely in our practice. The results were evaluated with the electrophysiological test (EMG) and a subjective judgment of the appearance and function. An altered questionnaire of Washington University was used to estimate the quality of life of the operated patients with cancer of head and neck region.