The application and study of facial artery flap for reconstructions of oropharyngeal defects following tumor ablation

Objective To explore the effects and clinical application of facial artery flap for repairing the oropharyngeal defects ablation of oropharyngeal cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis on 33 patients who suffered malignant tumors in the oral pharynx from May 2008 to Jan 2014 was carried out. All patients underwent radical surgery combined with facial artery flap or reverse facial artery flap to reconstruct the defects following cancer ablation. The clinical complication was recorded. Results All reverse facial artery flaps were completely alive. In 18 facial artery flap cases, complete flap necrosis occurred in 2 cases and partial flap necrosis at the distal end was found in other 2 cases. Vocal and swallowing functions were recovered well in all flap-survived cases. Conclusions This flap could be carried out in the same operating field after the tumor resection. Because of its stable blood supply, high survival rate and easy operation, it is reliable for repairing the oropharyngeal defects ablation of oropharyngeal cancer immediately. Key words: Facial artery flap; Pedicle flap; Oropharyngeal cancer; Reconstruction