Reconstruction of temporal bone defects: Consideration for use of the submental island flap and temporalis muscle flap

Reconstruction of temporal bone defects after resection of external auditory canal carcinoma is often challenging. In advanced-stage carcinoma, lateral temporal bone resection with adjacent structures, such as the condylar process and parotid gland, is necessary and the subsequent large defect requires flap reconstruction. We present both the submental island flap and the temporalis muscle flap for reconstruction in these patients. Five patients underwent reconstruction following resection of the external auditory canal carcinoma between April 2012 and June 2017. Choice of the flap was determined by the size and site of the defect. Two patients underwent temporalis muscle flap reconstruction following resection of the lateral temporal bone with the condylar process. Three other patients underwent submental island flap reconstruction after lateral temporal bone resection combined with resection of the condylar process, total parotidectomy, and neck dissection. Procedure was successful in all cases without any complications. We consider both methods as ideal options for reconstruction of temporal bone defects.