Application and Complications of the Tunnelized Facial Artery Musculomucosal Flap in Repairing Floor of Mouth Defects.

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the efficacy and complications of the tunnelized facial artery musculomucosal (tFAMM) flap for repairing floor of mouth defects, comparing it with the nasolabial island (NLI) flap.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 patients who underwent tFAMM flap reconstruction at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from 2018 to 2024. Data from 8 patients receiving NLI flap reconstruction served as a control group. Outcomes included surgical parameters and complications, and we analyzed UW-QOL scores at 1 month postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients in the tFAMM group was 48.50 ± 11.82 years. All tFAMM flaps survived without revision surgery. The tFAMM group demonstrated significantly earlier nasogastric tube removal (8 versus 13 d, P = 0.001). After adjusting for age, the tFAMM group demonstrated significantly higher total UW-QOL scores (P = 0.044), global quality of life (P = 0.032), and physical function (P = 0.015) compared with the NLI group. Complications included temporary marginal mandibular branch palsy (3 cases) and trismus (2 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

The tFAMM flap effectively repairs floor of mouth defects with a low complication rate and provides superior early quality of life after age adjustment.