Application and Complications of the Tunnelized Facial Artery Musculomucosal Flap in Repairing Floor of Mouth Defects
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: This study evaluates the efficacy and complications of the tunnelized facial artery musculomucosal (tFAMM) flap for repairing floor of mouth defects, comparing it with the nasolabial island (NLI) flap. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 patients who underwent tFAMM flap reconstruction at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from 2018 to 2024. Data from 8 patients receiving NLI flap reconstruction served as a control group. Outcomes included surgical parameters and complications, and we analyzed UW-QOL scores at 1 month postoperatively. Results: The mean age of patients in the tFAMM group was 48.50 ± 11.82 years. All tFAMM flaps survived without revision surgery. The tFAMM group demonstrated significantly earlier nasogastric tube removal (8 versus 13 d, P = 0.001). After adjusting for age, the tFAMM group demonstrated significantly higher total UW-QOL scores ( P = 0.044), global quality of life ( P = 0.032), and physical function ( P = 0.015) compared with the NLI group. Complications included temporary marginal mandibular branch palsy (3 cases) and trismus (2 cases). Conclusions: The tFAMM flap effectively repairs floor of mouth defects with a low complication rate and provides superior early quality of life after age adjustment.
Institution: Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,195
OpenAlex ID: W7221768247