[The temporalis muscle fascia flap for covering defects in the oropharynx. Report of 4 years experiences with 26 cases].

The temporalis muscle flap has proved its usefulness in the reconstruction of extensive oropharyngeal defects in the last 4 years in 26 patients. Although the functional qualities of the reconstructed area are not as superb as jejunal mucosa, due to a certain fibrosis of the muscle-fascia flap, much less surgical effort is required with this flap, since it is situated in the vicinity of the defect. Moreover, its short vascular pedicle guarantees the safe taking of the flap. The cosmetic alteration caused by the flattening of the temporal fossa is considerably attenuated with the replantation of the zygomatic arch. Especially in the multimorbide oropharyngeal cancer patient, the temporalis muscle flap with its reasonable surgical effort and its reliability represents a valuable alternative in the reconstruction of extensive defects.