Reconstruction of lower lip defects after tumor excision: An aesthetic andfunctional evaluation

We are presenting a new questionnaire to evaluate the functional and aesthe tic aspects after reconstruction of defects of the lower lip resulting from tumor excision. The questionnaire is based on objective parameters with nu merical values. The application of the questionnaire is carried out based o n 2 different surgical techniques, which have been used in the Department o f Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of La Princesa University Hospital in Madr id. These techniques are used in the reconstruction of surgical defects and concern the location and percentage of the lip resection. These techniques are the rotation-advancement flap by Yu and the rotation-advancement in is land flap by Colmenero et al. The defects are located laterally and they in clude 40% to 60% of the length of the lip, avoiding the commissure. There i s also one case with a defect that is almost 100% of the length of the lip. According to the questionnaire, we conclude that in unilateral defects tha t exceed 50% (up to 70%), Yu's technique provides better results from an ae sthetic and functional point of view than Colmenero's technique. In subtota l defects, bilateral Yu flaps provide optimum function, with good position of the scars. This is a technique to be considered when confronted with ext ensive defects of the lip that do not include the commissures.