Morbidity of marginal mandibular nerve post vascularized submental lymph node flap transplantation

Background: This study investigated the morbidity of the marginal mandibular nerve (MMN) post vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) harvest. Methods: The VSLN with sacrifying or preserving the medial platysma was retrospectively classified as group I or II. Midline deviation and horizontal tilt were subjectively evaluated. Horizontal, vertical, and “area distribution” of the lower lip excursions of the surgical site were objectively compared with the nonsurgical site. Results: Seventeen patients in group I and 12 patients in group II were included. At a median follow-up of 48.6 ± 16.8 months in group I and 14.8 ± 7.5 months in group II, no MMN palsy was found in both groups. Median midline deviation and horizontal tilt were 4.53 ± 0.52 and 5 ± 0 in group I and 4.67 ± 0.65 and 5 ± 0 in group II, respectively (P =.419 and 1.000). Median horizontal, vertical and area of distribution of lower lip excursions were 97.5 ± 12.3%, 98.8 ± 14.4% and 87.2 ± 14.7% in group I, and 99.3 ± 15.1%, 95.8 ± 8.2% and 84.2 ± 14.2% in group II, respectively (P =.679,.948 and.711). Conclusion: The VSLN flap was a safe procedure with minimal MMN morbidity.