Bipaddled submental artery flap

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Oral cancer presents a significant public health challenge in India, often diagnosed at advanced stages.
• Reconstruction following oral cancer resection requires complex strategies, posing challenges in resource-limited settings.
• Existing techniques like the radial artery forearm free flap have limitations regarding cost, operating time, and expertise.

Observation:

• The submental artery flap is a recognized, technically simpler alternative for oral cavity reconstruction.
• The bipaddled submental artery flap is a novel modification designed for full-thickness cheek defects.
• This technique utilizes the vascular anatomy of submental vessels to create two distinct skin paddles.

Findings:

• The bipaddled submental artery flap effectively provides both mucosal lining and skin cover for full-thickness cheek defects.
• The modification leverages the vascular supply of the submental artery for dual-tissue reconstruction.
• The technique is described as technically easy to perform and reproducible, even for trainees.

Implications:

• This approach offers a viable, cost-effective, and time-efficient solution for oral cancer reconstruction in developing countries.
• The bipaddled submental artery flap enhances reconstructive options for complex oral defects.
• Wider adoption of this technique can improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in resource-constrained environments.