Reconstruction of a large lower lip defect using a combination of Abbe and staircase flaps: a case report

Abstract

Lip defects often occur following wide excision as a surgical treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Defects larger than one-half of the lip cannot be closed primarily and require flap surgery. Reconstruction of the oral sphincter function can be achieved by means of a local flap using the like tissue, rather than with a free flap utilizing different tissues. A defect of the lower lip requires reconstruction using different techniques, depending on its size and location. Herein, we present the case of a patient exhibiting a lip defect spanning more than two-thirds of the lower lip, after a wide resection due to squamous cell carcinoma. The defect was reconstructed using an Abbe flap and a staircase flap. Revision was performed after 16 days. The patient’s oral competencies were fully restored 3 months postoperatively, and the esthetic results were ideal. Based on our experience, a combination of the Abbe and staircase flaps can produce excellent functional and esthetic outcomes in the reconstruction of a lower lip with a large defect. It can serve as a reliable reconstruction option for defects spanning more than two-thirds of the lower lip, not including the oral commissures.

One-stage reconstruction using a fibula osteocutaneous free flap and an anterolateral thigh free flap for an extensive composite defect after en bloc resection of squamous cell carcinoma on the mouth floor, mandible, and anterior neck: A CARE-compliant case report

“…Nonetheless, the main form of treatment for oral cancer remains surgical resection of the tumor. [5,6,17]…”

“…Nonetheless, the main form of treatment for oral cancer remains surgical resection of the tumor. [5,6,17] The goal of surgery is to completely remove cancerous tissue. Incomplete removal increases the risk of recurrence and lowers long-term survival.…”

Large Lower Lip Defect Reconstruction Using a Karapandzic Flap: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…For small defects affecting less than one-third of the lip, it can be treated by primary closure or advancement flap 10). Larger defects require local or distant flaps use.There are various techniques for reconstruction including Karapandzic flap, Abbe flap, Estlander flap, Bernard-Burrow flap, Gilles fan flap or combinations 9,11). In 1974, Karapandzic introduced the technique to repair large lip defects using neurovascular myocutaneous flaps based on the superior and inferior arteries.…”