A REAPPRAISAL OF THE PLATYSMA MYOCUTANEOUS ISLAND FLAP - A FOLLOW-UP-STUDY OF THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME AFTER RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FLOOR OF THE MOUTH

The functional results of primary reconstruction of the floor of the m outh after ablative surgery for oral cancer using a platysma myocutane ous island flap are reviewed. Seventeen patients who had simultaneous neck dissection, tumor resection, and reconstruction were evaluated. I t appears from this study that primary reconstruction of the floor of the mouth with a platysma flap is not ideal. This is believed to be du e partly to the high occurrence of direct, postoperative complications .