Outcome of Temporalis Myofascial Flap in Maxillary Reconstruction

The maxilla is an important component of the midfacial skeleton from both an aesthetic and functional view point. In addition to cosmetic impairment, surgical procedures in this region have substantial ramifications for speaking, swallowing and mastication, all of which may lead to psychological anguish for the patient. This necessitates rehabilitation with an obturator prosthesis or surgical reconstruction. The temporalis muscle flap has considerable potential for reconstructing various maxillofacial area abnormalities. It appears to be one of the finest solutions among all other regional flaps due to its consistent blood supply, appropriate mass and anatomical proximity to the maxillary defect. Temporalis myofascial flap is valuable due to the proximity of flap to oral cavity, palate. This is a reliable flap which has less donor site morbidity and functionally and aesthetically accepted. Ten (10) patients who fulfilled the criteria were selected by purposive sampling. Observational study had done. Study was conducted in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Dhaka Dental College Hospital, Bangladesh from July 2022 to June 2023. Out of 10 patients 4 (40%) patients were below or equal to 50 years and 6(60.0%) patients were above 50 years. Among all patients, 6(60.0%) patients were female and 4(40.0%) were male. Among all 40.0% had lesion in both buccal and alveolar mucosa, 40.0% had lesion in buccal, alveolar and palatal mucosa and 20.0% had lesion in palatal mucosa. TNM stage-2 were 80.0% and 20.0% TNM stage-3. Post operative radiotherapy and metastatic cases were not considered in this study. Post operative mouth opening was adequate and facial nerve was patent among all patients. Temporal hollowing was present in all patients. Flap was viable in all patients. All patients showed symmetrical face, normal malar prominence whereas one patient showed bulky cheek. Temporalis myofascial flap is a thin, adaptable flap which can be the first line choice of maxillary reconstruction after ablative surgery.