Reconstructing Small-Medium Sized Oral Cavity Defects- Our Experience with the Versatile Famm Flap

Area of Science:

• Head and Neck Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Oral Oncology

Background:

• Restoring oral cavity form and function after malignancy resection presents significant challenges.
• The facial artery musculo-mucosal (FAMM) flap is an underutilized yet versatile option for head and neck reconstruction.
• This study reviews FAMM flap performance in reconstructing tongue and floor of mouth defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the FAMM flap in oral cavity cancer reconstruction.
• To analyze complications and functional outcomes associated with FAMM flap use.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 15 patients with tongue/floor of mouth carcinomas.
• Patients underwent reconstruction using FAMM flaps between January 2019 and January 2021.
• Demographic, disease, complication, and functional outcome data were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Fifteen patients (10 male, 5 female; mean age 46.46 years) were reconstructed with FAMM flaps.
• One flap was lost to necrosis; two others had distal tip necrosis.
• Three patients developed orocutaneous fistulas; one had a surgical site infection. Floor of mouth reconstructions had excellent functional outcomes, but tongue reconstructions showed issues with mobility and speech quality in some patients.

Conclusions:

• The FAMM flap is a reliable, easy-to-harvest, and scarless option for oral cavity reconstruction.
• It provides excellent cosmetic and functional results, facilitating early resumption of daily activities.
• FAMM flaps are ideal for small to medium-sized oral cavity defects.