Sling suspension using the anterior third of the temporalis muscle extended with tendon graft to correct oral incontinence after free flap reconstruction in cases of a major defect of the lower lip muscle

Abstract

Background: Oral incontinence is a common complication after free flap reconstruction after ablation of oral cancers. The postoperative incontinence was corrected with strong suspension to the temporalis muscle in cases of major or total defect of lower lip muscles.

Methods: Eight patients with oral cancer with previous skin flaps for reconstruction of the lower lip had incontinence because of major or total loss of the lower lip muscle. A tendon graft was used as a suspension sling sutured to the anterior third of the bilateral temporalis muscle.

Results: Oral continence without drooling was achieved by suspension of the temporalis muscle with free movement of the lower lip.

Conclusion: This is a good option for correcting the incontinence after major or total loss of lower lip muscles in patients with oral cancer.

Keywords: major defect of lower lip muscle; oral incontinence; sling suspension; temporalis muscle; tendon graft.