Application of vermillion myocutaneous flap in restoration after lip cancer resection.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of the vermillion myocutaneous flap in restoration after lip cancer resection.

METHOD: From July 2012 to December 2019, six patients with lip cancer admitted in our department were included in this study. Total defect of the whole layer of the lip, accounted for 1/3-1/2 of the total length of the lip after tumor resection, were repaired by vermillion myocutaneous flap. For the case defect presenting >1/2 of the total length of the lip, a local rotational flap was designed with vermillion myocutaneous flap compound to repair the defect.

RESULTS: At present, the patients were followed up for 6 months to 7 years. There was no tumor recurrence. The aesthetic effects and function of lip after operation were ideal, with satisfactory outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Vermillion myocutaneous flap with the labial artery as the axis was an effective method to restore the anatomical structure and function of the lip. In the presence of a defect area of larger than 1/2 of the length of the whole lip, local skin flap can be used for simultaneous repair in order to achieve satisfactory outcome. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.