Robotic-assisted use of the FAMM-flap to cover TORS-defects

Introduction The „facial artery musculo-mucosal“ (FAMM) flap is a versatile and reliable option for the reconstruction of oral cavity and oropharyngeal defects associated with low functional morbidity at the donor site of the buccal mucosa.

This flap also lends itself organically to the reconstruction of TORS defects, where raising the flap can also be done in a robotic-assisted fashion and thus leads to further advantages.

Materials and methods First, a cadaver study was conducted at the IRCAD in Strasbourg where a total of four FAMM flaps (two on the left and two on the right side) were raised robotically.

Subsequently, raising and the setting-in the FAMM flap into the mucosal defect was also done in a robotic-assisted fashion after standard TORS-procedures in Frankfurt.

Results The raising and the setting-in of the FAMM-flap were performed without difficulties in both the cadaver study and the TORS patients. An advantage of this method was a very early and accurate visualization of the facial artery in the buccal area, which is responsible for the blood supply to the flap. After TORS-resection of the corresponding tumor, raising and suturing of the flap can be performed with the same EndoWrist instruments to keep costs as low as possible.

Conclusion The FAMM-flap is very well and organically suitable for covering TORS defects, and it can also be raised and sutured into the defect in a robotic-assisted way, without additional time and costs.

Poster-PDF A-1931.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020