Abstract

ZUBILLAGA RODRIGUEZ, I.; SANCHEZ ANICETO, G.; GARCIA RECUERO, I.  and  MONTALVO MORENO, J.J.. Use of the temporalis muscle flap in maxillofacial reconstruction surgery: A review of 104 cases. Rev Esp Cirug Oral y Maxilofac [online]. 2004, vol.26, n.4, pp.228-237. ISSN 2173-9161.

Abstract: Introduction: Temporalis miofascial flap has been used for craniofacial reconstruction since more than 100 years. The first described case in the medical literature was published by Lentz in 1895. The use of pedicled temporalis muscular flaps in cranial or facial reconstruction seems to be shifted nowadays by microvascular free flaps. Nevertheless, in our experience, this miofascial pedicled flap demonstrates to be a safe option for midfacial and lateral cranial base defects. Aims: To show our indications and results using the temporalis flap in craniofacial reconstruction. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of our experience with temporalis flap along the last decade. Results: A total of 108 flaps have been used in the following situations: postmaxillectomy defect reconstruction (44); cranial base (25) including anterior, middle and posterior cranial fossas; oral cavity and oropharynx (23); orbital exenteration (6); Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (6); others (2) with an overall success rate (no partial or total flap failure) over 94 %. Conclussions: Temporalis muscle flap is one of the «first choice» elections in reconstructive craniofacial surgery, for midfacial and cranial base indications. Non-careful surgical dissection and flap suture under tension predispose to complications such as flap necrosis (commonly partial) and wound dehiscence.

Keywords : Temporalis muscle; Craneofacial reconstructive surgery; Maxillectomy; Cranial base surgery.

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