A compendium of intraoral flaps

Intraoral flaps are an excellent source of tissue for reconstruction after resection of small malignant tumors of the oral cavity, pharynx, and hypopharynx. The principal donor sites used are the tongue, buccal mucosa, and palate. Intraoral flaps enable rapid rehabilitation of deglutition and speech with minimal morbidity. They provide easily transferred, well-vascularized tissue from sites adjacent to the operative defects. These flaps permit closure without tension and obviate the need for more distant tissue transfers. Their use does not compromise the oncologic resection.