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Erschienen in:
17.03.2021 | Original Paper
Submental flap: no longer a sinister flap—technique and long-term oncological outcomes
Erschienen in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery | Ausgabe 6/2021
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Background
Submental flap is an important addition to the armamentarium of the head and neck surgeon, due to its simple technique. However, its popularity has failed to lift off due to its alleged inferior oncological outcomes and presumed precarious blood supply. This study aimed to report the technique and long-term oncological outcomes of this under-appreciated flap.
Methods
A total of 38 patients with oral cavity cancers were included in the study 2012 to August 2019 in a tertiary care referral hospital. Submental island flap was utilised for the reconstruction of the soft-tissue defect in each patient. The site and stage of the tumour, type of resection, were recorded and the patients were followed up to assess the status of the flap and its donor site and the oncologic outcomes.
Results
There were 23 men and 15 women, with a mean ageof 56.94 (39–73) years . All, but one patient, underwent neck dissection. The median lymph node yield was 18. The median follow-up of the cohort was 38.15 months (7.2–96.3months).
Conclusions
The submental flap is a dependable option for oral cancer reconstruction in carefully selected cases, with acceptable morbidity and long-term oncological results.
Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.