The infrahyoid myocutaneous flap for reconstruction after oral cancer resection: A retrospective single-surgeon study

Objective:To review our experience with infrahyoid myocutaneous flap in reconstruction after oral cancer resection.Methods:Chart reviews were completed for all patients who underwent oral reconstruction with an infrahyoid myocutaneous flap by a single surgeon in the Department of Otolaryngology at Chonburi Cancer Hospital from 2011 to 2017.Characteristics of the patients and postoperative complications were analyzed.Results:Of the 34 patients in the study,10(29.4%)developed partial flap loss and 1(2.9%)developed total flap loss.All cases of partial flap loss resolved with conservative treatment.Apparent cancer involvement of a cervical lymph node was significantly associated with flap failure(odds ratio:5.0,95%CI:1.03e24.28).Conclusions:The infrahyoid myocutaneous flap is a fairly reliable reconstruction method.The flap should be performed with caution in cases with gross lymph node involvement.