Application of retrograde facial artery axial flap for repairing postoperative defects in elderly patients with lower lip cancer
WANG Chao
LI Yue
ZHANG Yan
ZHANG Jun
Abstract：Objective To investigate the method and clinical outcomes of applying the retrograde facial artery axial flap for reconstructing lower lip defects in elderly patients following carcinoma resection.Methods From September 2021 to August 2024,a retrospective study was conducted involving 12 elderly patients with postoperative defects due to lower lip cancer who were treated at the Fourth Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,Tianjin Stomatological Hospital.The reverse facial artery axial flap technique was employed for the repair and reconstruction of the lower lip.Postoperative regular follow-ups were performed to assess both aesthetic outcomes and functional recovery.Results All 12 flaps survived completely,with follow-up ranging from 6 to 30 months.No local tumor recurrence was observed.The reconstructed lower lips exhibited satisfactory morphology without significant reduction of the oral aperture.Functional outcomes were normal in all cases:patients maintained unimpaired oral competence(normal diet intake,clear articulation),successful denture wear,and expressed satisfaction with lip contour.Conclusion The retrograde facial artery axial flap is a safe and reliable method for reconstructing lower lip defects in elderly patients following carcinoma resection.This method ensures high survival rates of the flap,minimizes scarring in the donor site,restores the aesthetic contour of the lower lip,preserves the normal width of the oral fissure,and maintains oral functionality.
Keywords：retrograde facial artery axial flapdefect of lower lipreconstructive surgical procedures
Publication Date：2025-07-20
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：4( 266-269 )