Anterior superficial temporal artery island flap: intraoral defect repair

There are many options for the repair of intraoral defects. Today, free radial forearm or anterolateral thigh perforator flap is the first choice for the repair of intraoral defects. However, the importance of regional flaps is still maintained for patients whose medical condition is inappropriate for a long surgery and anesthesia time. In this report, we present our clinical experience with 9 patients who underwent retromolar trigone, buccal mucosal, gingival, and mouth floor reconstruction with anterior superficial temporal artery island flap (ASTIF) which has not been described in the literature before. Their mean age is 49 (27-85) years. ASTIF dimensions used for the reconstructions ranged from 3 × 5 to 8 × 16 cm. No partial or total flap necrosis was seen in any of the patients; only 3 patients had venous congestion problem for the first 3 days of the surgery, but they all healed well. Five patients had squamous cell carcinoma, 2 patients had squamous cell carcinoma with local recurrence, 1 patient had adenocarcinoma, and 1 patient had mandibular osteocarcinoma. Patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively (average 12 months, range 6 to 24 months). ASTIF provides an excellent alternative for reconstructing defects of the oral cavity for some patients who have significant comorbid conditions or specific contraindications to free tissue transfer. At the same time, the combination with the free flaps increases the success of the restoration.

Level IV therapeutic study.