Introduction. Squamous cell carcinoma is a common tumour of lower lip. Small defects created by surgical resectionmay be readily\r\nreconstructed by linear closure or with local flaps. However, large tumours resection often results with microstomia and oral\r\nincompetence, drooling, and speech incomprehension. The goal of this study is to describe our experience with composite free\r\nradial forearm-palmaris longus tendon flap for total or near total lower lip reconstruction. Patients and Methods.This procedure\r\nwas used in 5 patients with 80ââ?¬â??100% lip defect resulting from Squamous cell carcinoma. Patientsââ?¬â?¢ age ranged from 46 to 82 years.\r\nThey are three male patients and two female. In 3 cases chin skin was reconstructed as well and in one case a 5 cm segment of\r\nmandible was reconstructed using radius bone. In one case where palmaris longus was missing hemi-flexor carpi radialis tendon\r\nwas used instead. All patients tolerated the procedure well. Results. All flaps totally survived. No patient suffered from drooling.\r\nAll patients regained normal diet and normal speech. Cosmetic result was fair to good in all patients accept one. Conclusion. We\r\nconclude that tendino-fasciocutaneous radial forearm flap for total lower lip reconstruction is safe. Functional and aesthetic result\r\napproaches reconstructive goals.
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