The temporalis muscle flap in intraoral reconstruction.

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction following excision of intraoral tumours presents a challenge to the head and neck surgeon. The purpose of hte present study was to review the authors' initial experience with the temporalis muscle flap.

METHODS

A retrospective review fo the use of 21 temporalis muscle flaps in intraoral reconstruction at Christchurch Hospital was performed. The muscle was used to reconstruct defects of the oral tongue, tongue base, buccal mucosa, maxilla, soft palate, retromolar trigone and tonsillar region. Epithelial cover was provided by either split-skin grafting or ingrowth from adjacent mucosa.

RESULTS

One flap necrosed and one patient developed a wound haematoma requiring drainage. One patient developed a transient frontal weakness. The long-term functional results were excellent, except for one patient with slight tongue tethering. In one patient bilateral flaps were used to reconstruct a bilateral maxillectomy defect.

CONCLUSION

The temporalis muscle flap is a useful option for reconstruction of moderate defects in the posterior oral cavity and oropharynx.