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Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
The Submental Artery Island Flap for Reconstruction of Acquired Maxillary and Palatal Defects After Tumor Ablation:
Ayman A Amin1,2, Omer M Jamali3,4, Ramez Farid1
1Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Background:
The submental artery island flap (SIF) is a valid option for palatal reconstruction. However, the main limitation for its application for palatal defects is the arc of rotation. A novel modification for tunneling of the antegrade design of SIF that allows a compliant easy reach to the defect is described.
Methods:
Eighteen patients with Brown class II maxillectomy defects were included. Reconstruction started using reversed flow SIF in five patients then shifted to the modified antegrade technique in the remaining patients. Speech, swallowing, chewing, other parameters, and oncological outcomes were assessed.
Results:
The reversed flow group has high complications. In the antegrade SIF group, all flaps survived. One developed marginal flap necrosis that healed spontaneously. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 4.2 years with favorable functional outcome and with no evidence of recurrence.
Conclusion:
The modified SIF antegrade design is a reliable option for palate reconstruction that allows favorable functional and oncological outcome.
