Reconstruction of through-and-through oral cavity defects with folded extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap

Reconstruction of through-and-through defects of the head and neck is a challenge. In this clinical study we assessed the feasibility of the folded, extended, vertical, lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap (TIMF) for the reconstruction of 16 large through-and-through defects of the oral cavity, which were reconstructed after resection of oral cancer. The skin paddle was 5-7 cm wide and 11-20 cm long. The folded flap provides both inner and outer linings for through-and-through defects, and all the flaps survived. The appearance of the head and neck was acceptable, and oral function was satisfactory. The folded extended vertical lower TIMF is a large, simple, and reliable flap that is preferred for the reconstruction of large through-and-through defects after resection of oral carcinoma. (C) 2013 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.