Facial mimetic, cosmetic, and functional standardized assessment of the facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Auris Nasus Larynx, Volume 44, Issue 2
Author(s): Nathan Jowett, Tessa A. Hadlock, Eyal Sela, Miklos Toth, Rainald Knecht, Balazs B. Lörincz
ObjectiveTo objectively assess donor site morbidity after harvesting the facial artery musculomucosal flap. Use of the FAMM-flap in oral cavity reconstruction remains sporadic. This case series describes our newly developed standardized assessment of this flap in a floor of mouth (FOM) reconstructive setting.MethodsStandardized postoperative assessment of the FAMM flap for donor site wound complications, functional, facial mimetic and oncologic outcomes.ResultsThere were no wound complications. Oral competence remained intact, tongue mobility was good to excellent, average word articulation score was 98%, and mimetic function excellent in all patients. Three patients experienced ipsilateral upper lip anesthesia, and five patients were noted to have slight dysfunction of the orbicularis oris resulting in a loss of lip height at rest.ConclusionThe FAMM flap is a reliable option for reconstruction of ablative defects of the FOM, and should be considered a workhorse flap for oral cavity defects. Unlike the submental island flap, a complete level I dissection may be concurrently performed without compromising the vascular supply to the FAMM flap.



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