Unlined repairs of defects following oral cancer ablation

A technique is described in which unlined skin flaps are used after excision of malignant oral lesions. Mucosal defects are sealed with a rubber diaphragm. The method can be used when the defect is confined to the mucosa or when full-thickness cheek is involved. In the latter case, the forehead flap is preferred because of its good blood supply. Trismus has not been a problem so long as physiotherapy is carried out immediately after reconstruction.