REVISITING AN OLD TECHNIQUE FOR ORAL CAVITY RECONSTRUCTION USING MASSETER FLAP: AN INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE OF 50 BUCCAL MUCOSA CANCER PATIENTS

Cancer of the posterior part of oral cavity are often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Although microsurgery and free flaps have better results, the use of local and regional flaps remains an easier, feasible and faster option for reconstruction. We have done a retrospective analysis of 50 patients who underwent, a masseter flap at our institution in our study along with its 6 months follow up and outcomes. This technique offers a quick and reliable method for repairing oral cavity defects in a selected few cases. The masseter flap has an advantage, as it is technically easy, pliable for posterior defects and no significant donor site morbidity while its drawbacks are its limited mobility and small posterior defect alone coverage. It may provide a simple and effective solution in a difficult situation in selective cases.