T. Maral et G. Ozcan, Functional reconstruction of the lateral face after ablative tumor resection: Use of free muscle and musculocutaneous flaps, HEAD NECK, 23(10), 2001, pp. 836-843
Citations number
28
Categorie Soggetti
Otolaryngology
Journal title
HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK
Background. Wide resection of tumors of the middle third of the face often
results in complex three-dimensional defects and facial paralysis either du
e to removal of the facial nerve within the tumoral tissue or to extensive
resection of the facial muscles.
Methods. We report the cases of three patients who underwent wide excision
of tumors of the cheek region, operations that resulted in tissue defects a
nd facial palsy. Defect reconstruction and facial reanimation was accomplis
hed in one stage through functional muscle transplantation.
Results. Follow-up of more than 1 year showed good symmetry at rest and rea
nimation of the corner of the mouth in all cases, but one patient, in which
the ipsilateral facial main trunk was used as motor nerve supply to the tr
ansplanted muscle, developed significant muscle contracture and binding of
the cheek skin.
Conclusions. Every effort should be made to optimize the functional and cos
metic outcomes of neurovascular muscle transfers through precise planning a
nd careful execution of the intricate details of the surgical technique for
muscle transplantation. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.