Reconstruction of oral cavity defects with FAMM (facial artery musculomucosal) flaps. Our experience

Introduction and objectives: The facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap is a good optionfor covering small and medium-sized defects in the oral cavity because of its similar tissuecharacteristics and easy implementation. Methods: We reviewed our results using this flap between 2006 and 2014. A total of 20 patients were included and 25 FAMM flaps were performed, 16 right (64%) and 9 left (36%) flaps. Five patients had simultaneous bilateral reconstructions. The indications for flap surgery werereconstruction after resection of tumours in the floor of the mouth (8 cases, 40%), tumoursin other sites of the oral cavity (4 cases, 20%), mandibular osteoradionecrosis (4 cases, 20%), oroantral fistula (3 cases, 15%) and postoperative ankyloglossia (one case, 5%). Results: Reconstruction was successful in 92% of cases (n = 23). Total flap necrosis occurred inone case and dehiscence with exposure of bone in another. Oral function and ingestion were satisfactory in all patients. Conclusions: The facial artery musculomucosal flap is reliable and versatile for reconstruction of small and medium-sized intraoral defects. It allows functional reconstruction of the oralcavity with a low risk of complications. (C) 2014 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. and Sociedad Espanola de Otorrinolaringologia y Patologia Cervico-Facial. All rights reserved.