Anterior lateral thigh flap for buccal mucosal defect after resection of buccal cancer

Objective: To preserve oral function after buccal cancer resection, a free anterior lateral thigh flap (ALTF) was used to cover the buccal mucosal defect. Study Design and Setting: Nine patients who underwent primary surgical treatment between June 2005 and September 2006 for buccal cancer were enrolled in this study. An ALTF was used to repair the defect immediately after tumor resection. Oral function, including mouth-opening width, oral intake, and teeth cleaning, were compared pre- and postoperatively. Results: No difference was observed in the mouth-opening width between that preoperatively and three months postoperatively (P = 0.54). The oral intake and teeth cleaning also remained unchanged three months postoperatively. Conclusion: Repair of a buccal mucosa defect with a free anterior lateral thigh flap is a good alternative for selected patients who undergo resection of buccal cancer; oral function is likely to be preserved.