Lip reconstruction technique: A modified Abbe-Estlander with a myomucosal advancement flap

Lip cancer represents between 12-15% of all oral cavity cancers; 95% affect the lower lip. The main objectives in lip reconstruction after tumoral mass resection are functionality and esthetics. We present the case of an 81-year-old male with a past medical history of squamous cell carcinoma of the maxilla. The patient consults with the Maxillofacial Surgery Department due to a hypertrophic lesion in the left oral commissure. The defect is considered intermediate in size (between 50% and two-thirds). For reconstruction of the lip, a classical rotation flap (Estlander flap) is used together with a myomucosal flap, which is both innervated and expandable. According to medical literature, for intermediate defects of the lower lip advancement or rotation flaps should be used. One of these is the Abbe-Estlander flap, a rotation flap dependent of the superior or the inferior labial artery. The Karapandzic flap and Johansen's staircase flap are other recommended techniques.