[Reconstruction of full-thickness loss of substance of lower lip. Our experience].

AIM: Many methods have been described for the reconstruction of the lower lip, but each has its own advantages and its disadvantages. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results obtained with the use of different methods in order to choose the most appropriate method, according to the characteristics of the loss of substance.

METHODS

From January 2006 to March 2011 were treated 110 patients with full-thickness loss of substance of the lower lip using various techniques: direct closure in small losses of substance (20 patients), Abbe flap (14 patients), Johanson technique (12 patients), Gillies fan flap (9 patients), Estlander flap (8 patients), Mc Gregor flap (11 patients), Karapandzic flap (18 patients), the nasolabial flap by Von Bruns (10 patients) and Bernard-Burow flap modified by Webster (8 patients).

RESULTS

All flaps were vital and there were no cases of necrosis, infection, seromas or hematoma. Among the main complications, there was a delay in wound healing in 11 patients and the development of microstomia, of variable degrees, in 9 patients. The results from the aesthetic point of view were between good and satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

The extension of the loss of substance is the main criterion that should direct the choice of an appropriate surgical technique: for larger defects reconstruction is less than optimal and obtain an adequate sphincter function is the main goal to achieve also with the use of near tissue.