Lip Reconstruction Following Cancer Resection.

BACKGROUND

An analysis of all possible lip defects and a comparison of outcomes following various reconstructive techniques is lacking in the literature.

METHODS

An analysis of lip reconstructions following cancer resection from 1994 to 2024 was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 221 patients underwent lip reconstruction. Tobacco use (p = 0.003), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.042), and concurrent mandible or maxillary reconstruction (p = 0.019) were associated with surgical complications. Recurrent disease (p = 0.011) and oral commissure resection (p = 0.020) were associated with oral incompetence. Tobacco use (p = 0.001) and defects involving both upper and lower lips (p = 0.001) were associated with microstomia. Defects > 50% of the lip had higher rates of oral incompetence (p = 0.001) and microstomia (p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Lip reconstruction outcomes are affected by patient-related factors, defect characteristics, and reconstructive techniques. Oral commissure resection, extensive lip defects, and lip defects in combination with mandibulectomy and maxillectomy are most prone to adverse outcomes, and we use our results to propose a comprehensive treatment algorithm.