Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
The reconstruction of the oral commissure microstomia is one of the complex tasks in plastic surgery
and the most important issue to be considered is to provide a good functional and acceptable aesthetic
result. Various local and regional flaps have been described for this purpose. The vermilion - mucosa
flaps are frequently used flaps in reconstruction of small to medium sized microstomia. The reliable
blood supply, minimal donor site morbidity and excellent texture and color match are some of the
advantages of these flaps.
OBJECTIVE:
This study is to evaluate our results with vermilion-mucosa flaps in the reconstruction of oral
commissure.
PATIENT AND METHOD:
This prospective study was done in Sulaimani plastic, reconstructive and burn hospital from April
2008 to September 2009 with minimum follow-ups of 6 months. The total number of patients was
fifteen, the age of patient arranged between 1month to 47 years, the flaps designed as vermillion
advancement flaps in 7 cases, vermilion-mucosa flaps in 4 cases, and tri -lobes buccal mucosal flaps
in 4 cases. The cause of the deformities was , post burn scaring and contracture involving oral
commissure, of which twelve cases treated bilaterally, and only three cases treated by unilateral
commissuroplasty.
RESULTS:
The flaps were survived and most of the patients were satisfied with the outcome of the operation.
Marginal necrosis of one flap was encountered; drooling was encountered in only one patient and it
gradually disappeared with time.
CONCLUSION:
The oral vermilion mucosa flaps are reliable tools for reconstruction of small to moderate- sized
commissure microstomia. The flaps provide good functional and aesthetic results with reduced
necessity for prolonged splinting and secondary procedure and minimal donor site morbidity