USE OF LOCAL FLAPS IN THE REPAIR OF ORAL AND PARORAL DEFECTS

Objectives: This paper evaluates the efficacy of different types of lo cal flaps used in the closure of defects created in and around the ora l cavity. Materials and methods: Eighteen cases of oral and paroral de fects resulting from trauma, infection or tumor ablation were repaired during a 4-year period, from January 1990 to December 1994. The surgi cal techniques employed in all cases included the use of local flaps s uch as the buccal flap, buccal fat pad, palatal rotational flap, tongu e flap and the cheek advancement flap. These defects varied in size, t he smallest being 8 x 9 mm and the largest 37 x 21 mm. Results: In all 18 cases, healing was complete within 2 weeks, without a second opera tion. Assessment of the results both functionally and cosmetically was found to be very satisfactory. Conclusions: The reconstruction of def ects of the oral cavity and lip with local flaps is preferred over oth er methods which employ the transportation of distant pedicle flaps, s ince these involve a second operation for their final repair. The use of local flaps also offers a satisfactory functional and esthetic resu lt of reconstruction at one stage. Therefore, reconstruction with loca l flaps has great advantages for the patient.