Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2025
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
Mandibular reconstruction using an iliac bone flap with perforator-supported external oblique abdominal muscle
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
The deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap is one of the bone flaps commonly used for mandibular reconstruction. Observation of the skin paddle and Doppler ultrasound are methods that are usually used to monitor DCIA flaps after mandibular reconstruction surgery. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel DCIA flap with a perforator-supported external oblique abdominal muscle (EOAM) island for postoperative flap monitoring. This study included five patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction using this modified technique. The DCIA flap and the EOAM island supplied by the ascending branch of the DCIA were harvested during the surgery. After mandibular reconstruction, the EOAM island was placed in the submandibular region to monitor the blood supply to the DCIA flap after surgery. The blood supply to the DCIA flap was monitored by observing the colour, texture, and bleeding condition of the EOAM island. After the monitoring period, the EOAM was removed and the ascending branch of the DCIA was ligated. The outcome was successful in all patients. The EOAM island supported by the ascending branch of the DCIA is reliable and safe, thus providing a robust option to monitor the blood supply to the DCIA flap.
