Assessment of the Utility of Submental Flap in Reconstructing Soft Tissue Defects after Excision of Small Oral Cancers

Abstract

Introduction: Post-operative oral defect is a common problem facing surgeons due to the scarcity of donor sites in the area. The submental flap or submental island pedicled flap (SIPF) offers an alternate approach in orofacial reconstruction, particularly in a setting where free-flap services are unavailable or comprises a big challenge for surgeons and patients. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with oral cavity cancers, who subjected to submental flap reconstruction. Both genders above 18 years were included. Patients with clinically positive neck nodes or who had preoperative radiotherapy were excluded. Hospital records were reviewed and data analyzed in order to assess the utility of submental flap in managing and reconstructing oral defect following excision of tumors at different subsites in a tertiary university hospital. Results: 26 patients were included 16 males and 10 females with age ranging from 38 to 67 years. Primary tumor sites were tongue (9), lower alveolar margin (7), buccal mucosa (6), and floor of mouth (4). All patients subjected to tumor excision and ipsilateral selective neck node dissection following flap creation. Total flap necrosis was evident in one patient, whereas partial flap dehiscence seen in two and infection in two other patients. Over follow up period with mean of 12 months there were 2 regional neck failures. Conclusion: Submental flap is a reasonable and easy method to manage small oral cavity defect after resection of small tumors.