Random mucosal rotating flaps for rostral to mid maxillary defect reconstruction: 26 dogs (2000-2019).

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Canine Oncology

Background:

• Maxillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the upper jaw.
• Reconstruction of maxillary defects is crucial for restoring function and aesthetics in dogs.
• Random mucosal rotating flaps offer a reconstructive option for oral defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of single or double random mucosal rotating flaps for maxillary defect closure in dogs.
• To evaluate the incidence and types of postoperative complications associated with these flaps.
• To determine the suitability of these flaps for rostral versus mid maxillary defects.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of medical records from 26 client-owned dogs.
• Analysis of dogs undergoing maxillectomy for various oral lesions or trauma.
• Inclusion of data on flap type (single or double transposition/interpolation), surgical outcomes, and complications.

Main Results:

• Twenty-six dogs were included, with maxillectomies performed for tumors (ameloblastomas, carcinomas, fibromas, melanomas, fibrosarcomas, osteosarcoma), cysts, or trauma.
• Twenty-three dogs received a single flap, and three received a double flap.
• Six dogs experienced postoperative complications, including dehiscence or flap necrosis.

Conclusions:

• Random mucosal rotating flaps are versatile for closing rostral maxillary defects in dogs.
• The use of these flaps for mid maxillary defects may be associated with a higher likelihood of postoperative complications.
• Further investigation may be warranted to optimize outcomes for mid maxillary reconstructions.