A Buccal Space Approach for Midface Free Flap Reconstruction

Abstract

This article describes a transbuccal approach to reach the facial vessels. The anatomy of this intraoral approach is predictable, minimizing the risk of facial nerve dysfunction. This technique provides the possibility of free flap midface reconstruction with short pedicles and avoids the need to use vein grafts. Moreover, it is esthetically preferable. Through cadaver dissection and anatomical drawings, we describe extensively the different surgical steps. Using the combination of the previous knowledge and recent anatomical understandings, we can provide a reliable step-by-step approach to find the facial artery and vein through a transbuccal approach for microvascular midface free flap repair.

Keywords

facial artery and vein - intraoral approach - buccal space - microvascular free flap - free flap reconstruction

Note

The authors assert that all procedures contributing to this work comply with the ethical standards of the relevant national and institutional guides and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2008.

^* Shared co-authorship.

Publication History

Article published online:
03 February 2022

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