Versatility of Facial Artery Musculomucosal (FAMM) Flap for Reconstruction of Oral Cavity Defects

Background and PurposeThe Facial Artery Musculomucosal (FAMM) flap for reconstruction of oral cavity defects is being popularized in recent years due to its obvious advantages. The aim of our study is to evaluate the cases operated at our institute for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects using FAMM flap and assess their outcomes.MethodIn this retrospective study, we included all patients in whom the FAMM flap was used to reconstruct oral cavity defects operated at our institute from January 2017 to December 2020. From the available records, patients' data like age, sex, diagnosis, treatment plan, complications, flap viability, and need for pedicle revision were retrieved and tabulated.ResultsFAMM flap was used in ten patients (8 male, 2 female) with ages ranging from 40 to 54 years. In six patients with superior defects e.g., maxilla/palate, retrograde FAMM flap was used and in the other 4 patients with inferior defects e.g., tongue/ floor of the mouth, antegrade FAMM flap was used. None of the patients developed complications like flap failure/necrosis or dehiscence. The donor site healed uneventfully in all patients.ConclusionFAMM flap offers various advantages for oral cavity reconstruction including mucosa reconstruction with alike mucosal tissue, muscle portion providing bulk, minimal donor site morbidity along with easier harvesting approach. There are no associated significant long-term complications if the technique is properly followed. FAMM should be considered a viable option for the reconstruction of a variety of oral cavity defects.