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Sensory recovery of myomucosal flap oral cavity reconstructions

2017; Wiley; Volume: 40; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/hed.25000

1097-0347

Olindo Massarelli, Luigi Angelo Vaira, Andrea Biglio, Roberta Gobbi, Giovanni Dell’Aversana Orabona, Giacomo De Riu,

Reconstructive Facial Surgery Techniques

Abstract Background Sensory restoration of the oral cavity is a primary aim of reconstructive surgery in posttraumatic or postablative defects. Sensitivity plays a key role in oral function, whose impairment strongly affects the patient's quality of life. Cheek myomucosal flaps provide a reliable and tissue‐like reconstruction of these regions but their sensitive recovery, which we still know little about, deserves thorough assessment. Methods In this retrospective study, the myomucosal cheek flaps were tested for different aspects of sensory recovery: touch; 2‐point discrimination; pain; sharp/smooth discrimination; ability to feel hot/cold stimulus; stereognosis; and taste. Results Fifty‐two myomucosal flap reconstructions were investigated. All sensitivity tests showed positive results. When comparison was possible, sensitivity seemed significantly close to the contralateral healthy side. Sensory recovery proved to be even better than that reported on reinnervated microvascular free flap reconstructions of the oral cavity. Conclusion Myomucosal flap reconstruction demonstrated a high degree of sensory recovery.