Sliding block resection and reconstruction in cases of carcinoma of the lower lip

Surgical eradication of carcinoma of the lower lip is generally a curative maneuver. Concomitant reconstruction at this site is almost always necessary, however, and difficulties in these efforts often arise. Postoperative esthetic problems usually result when more than 30% of the lip has been removed; the most common problems are vertical scar retraction along the mucosal surface, unacceptable distortion of the commissure or overall asymmetry of the oral aperture, or both, and significantly disturbed lip motor function. During the past decade, the surgical procedure described has allowed excision of 40% of the lip and provided vertical support of the reconstructed lip and an ultimate facial appearance superior to that of other techniques.