[The extended free lateral arm flap for buccal soft tissue reconstruction after buccal cancer].

OBJECTIVE:To summary the application of the extended free lateral arm flaps for buccal soft tissue reconstruction after buccal cancer. METHODS:From January to August 2011, three patients underwent the operation of buccal defect reconstruction using the extended free lateral arm flap in one-stage. PRCA was identification with the Doppler probe. According to the mark of PRCA, size and shape of defects, the flaps were designed and extended to the lateral epicondyle of humerus. The flap size ranged from 9 cm x 5 cm to 10 cm x 6 cm with a pedicle of 10 cm in length. The wounds at donor sites were closed directly. RESULTS:Vascular crisis happened in one case due to local negative pressure, which resolved after emergency management. All the flaps survived completely. The patients were followed up for 6 to 10 months with no recurrence. Both the esthetic and functional results were satisfactory. Two cases suffered from numb feeling in donor sites which alleviated six months later. CONCLUSIONS:The extended free lateral arm flap has reliable blood supply with appropriate thickness. It is an optional method for reconstruction of buccal defects after ablation of buccal cancer.