Inferiorly based buccinator myomucosal island flap in oral and pharyngeal reconstruction. Four techniques to increase...

Reconstruction of oral and pharyngeal defects after pathologic resections with the same tissue is an optimal and ideal target. Islanded variety of inferiorly pedicled facial artery musculomucosal flap, in which facial artery and vein are skeletonized (referred to as inferiorly based BUMIF), is suitable for reconstruction of medium-sized mucosal defects.

In this article, with four cases, modifications of this flap are demonstrated in reconstruction of large intraoral and oropharyngeal defects and coverage of alveolar ridge in the mandible.

In some situations, there is a need for more mucosal paddle, longer vascular pedicle and more adaptation to the recipient bed.

Relocating Stensen's duct increases the mucosal paddle with cranial extension of superior limit while differential incision of the mucosa and buccinator muscle in mandibular vestibule extend the lower limit of this flap. Bone suture is a good complementary technique when this flap is used for coverage of mandibular alveolar ridge. Inferiorly based BUMIF with added length is indicated for oropharyngeal and contralateral mouth floor reconstructions.