Practical surgical technique using the SMISS approach for lip reduction in involuted lip infantile hemangiomas.

BACKGROUND: Lip infantile hemangiomas tend to show less volumetric regression and are more susceptible to visible sequelae in the involuted stage. Some of them still require surgical management after propranolol therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Stepwise, Multi-Incisional, and Single-Stage (SMISS) approach applied to lip reduction for those with involuted lip hemangiomas. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to evaluate patients with lip hemangioma who received previous propranolol treatment and underwent the aforementioned procedure. Demographic characteristics, lesion morphology, and medical history were reviewed. The Visual Analog Scale was applied to assess the postoperative appearance. Complications within 12 months postoperatively were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients with lip hemangioma were eligible. All patients received oral propranolol therapy before surgery, with treatment duration ranging from 6.0 to 23.0 months. Their age at surgery ranged from 2.5 to 9.0 years. The median Visual Analog Scale scores were 8.0, ranging from 4.0 to 10.0. No severe complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This modified technique based on the SMISS approach has proven reliable and effective in improving the aesthetic outcome for involuted lip infantile hemangiomas. Practical surgical techniques still play an important part in the propranolol era.

Reconstruction of Squamous Cell Carcinoma on Oral Commissure With Hatchet-Shaped Flap.

The mouth is a unique and prominent element of the lower face. Given the complex anatomy, aesthetic appearance, and function of the oral commissure, its reconstruction due to various causes presents a significant challenge for surgeons. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip is the most common type of oral cancer, accounting for approximately 25% to 30% of all oral cancers. Wide excision is the treatment of choice, and the prognosis is generally favorable. We encountered a case of SCC of the right oral commissure in a 69-year-old man. We designed a hatchet-shaped flap to minimize anatomical disruption and, as a result, achieved satisfactory outcomes in terms of both functionality and aesthetics.

Myomucosal composite graft: A simple technique for full-thickness vermilion defects of the lower lip.

Reconstruction of vermillion defects of the lower lip requires careful consideration of functional and aesthetic aspects. Traditionally, various local flap methods involving tissue advancement from the corner of the mouth, lateral chin, and medial cheek have been commonly employed to fill lower lip defects. However, these approaches have inherent limitations, which include technical complexity, disruption of the orbicularis oris muscle, lip tightening, microstomia, and visible scarring. To overcome these limitations, we employed a free myomucosal composite graft from the lower lip to reconstruct small to medium vermilion defects. Our technique is based on a simple and reproducible surgical approach that facilitates natural volume rearrangement of tissues. Moreover, this method enables precise inset and tension-free repair, prevents lip tightening, and offers excellent aesthetic outcomes with no vertical scarring and appropriate color matching with surrounding tissues.

Reconstruction of Multiple Lip and Facial Defects With Bipaddle and Sensate Radial Forearm Free Flap.

ABSTRACT: Free flaps and their modifications are used to reconstruct multiple large defects in the lip and face. In this study, we present our results on the reconstruction of these defects using bipaddle and sensate free radial forearm-palmaris longus flaps and subsequent revision surgeries. Patient medical records of 11 patients with a mean age of 63.9 ± 12.8 years were retrospectively reviewed. Functional oral competence, lip cosmetics, lip sensation, and donor forearm scars were evaluated using the drooling rating scale, visual analog scale, Semmes Weinstein Monofilament test, and patient and observer scar assessment scale, respectively. The mean dimensions of distal and proximal skin paddles of bipaddle free radial forearm-palmaris longus flaps were 12.7 ± 9.9 and 20.5 ± 3.8 cm2. Mean lengths of the bridge and proximal pedicles were 4.7 ± 1.6 and 5.5 ± 0.7 cm. All the flaps survived. No drooling was observed in the 2 patients without lower lip defects. The mean drooling scores of the 9 patients with lower lip defects were statistically different (Analysis of Variance, pANOVA < 0.00001) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. The differences between 3 and 12 months were the most significant (pANOVA < 0.00001, pTUKEY < 0.000001). The lip sensation and drooling scores showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.8504). All patients were able to speak fluently, drink fluid without leakage, and blow a balloon easily. All patients and observers were satisfied with the lip cosmetics, with no significant difference between satisfaction scores (P = 0.087615).There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.00001) between mean sensation scores of surrounding healthy lip (2.94 ± 0.27) and free flaps (4.15 ± 0.4). All the donor scars healed uneventfully.

Functional and esthetic reconstruction of composite lower lip defects with a motor-innervated chimeric facial artery buccinator myomucosal-submental island flap.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the functional and esthetic outcomes of a chimeric innervated buccinator myomucosal-submental island flap (BMM-SIF) for large composite lower lip reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective study included five patients who underwent lower lip tumor resection and BMM-SIF reconstruction at the Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, between August 2021 and February 2023. Lip function was evaluated using water leakage, cheek puffing tests, and superficial electromyography. Lip appearance was observed using photographs and evaluated through subjective interviews. Donor-site conditions, including facial symmetry and mouth opening, were monitored. RESULTS: All the BMM-SIFs survived. Drooling was the main complication observed shortly after surgery. The water leakage test showed complete oral competence for liquid holding in the 7th month; however, moderate air leakage was present in two patients. Electromyography revealed myoelectric signals from the innervated buccinator at the recipient site. Facial expression and food intake were typically managed. The shape and projection of the vermilion were harmonious and satisfactory for each patient. Neither microstomia nor mouth opening limitation was observed, with an average inter-incisor distance of 37.25±4.4 mm. CONCLUSION: Chimeric motor-innervated BMM-SIF effectively reconstructed large full-thickness lower-lip defects with satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes.

Case of eccrine chondroid syringoma of the upper lip.

Chondroid syringoma (CS) is a benign, slow-growing mixed tumour that arises from the sweat glands and usually presents in the head and neck area. Histopathological examination is important for proper diagnosis, as CS is often confused with epidermal cysts due to its rare presentation. This article presents a man in his 40s with a right upper lip mass that emerged 6 months prior to presentation. An intraoral surgical excision was performed and the histopathological analysis revealed solid epithelial cells that formed multiple, non-branching ducts lined by cuboidal epithelium. Cystic spaces were filled by heterogeneous eosinophilic material embedded in chondromyxoid stroma. Histopathology identified the lesion as an eccrine-variant CS. The patient recovered well.

Full-thickness nasolabial facial artery flap: A modified surgical approach for reconstruction of lower lip defects.

OBJECTIVES: Reconstruction of large lower lip defects remains challenging in terms of aesthetics, function and safety. The aim of this study is to explore a modified nasolabial flap to repair large lower lip defects. METHODS: The full-thickness nasolabial facial artery flap was used for reconstruction of defects in lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients after tumor ablation. The postoperative recovery of patients was obtained through clinical review and follow-up in the first and sixth month. RESULTS: There were four LSCC patients who received tumor ablation at the Beijing Stomatological Hospital of Capital Medical University from November 2022 to March 2023, were included in our study. All patients did not suffer from postoperative infection, orocutaneous fistula, flap necrosis, and flap loss. One patient had the trapdoor deformity. These patients achieved better lip closure function. One patient developed cervical lymph node metastasis 2 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The modified nasolabial flap could achieve good outcomes in terms of aesthetics, function, and safety. It provided a supplementary strategy for the using of nasolabial flap in larger defects of lower lip.

Squamous cell carcinoma of lip: Clinical feature analysis and suggestion of reconstruction algorithm.

Reconstruction of lips after squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) removal should restore functional and aesthetic roles; however, it remains a challenge. In this study we describe the clinical features of lip SCC and suggest a reconstruction algorithm. We retrospectively analyzed 34 patients with lip SCC who underwent reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery between January 2006 and March 2022. The mean age of the patients was 70.2 years. Seven tumors were on the upper lip and 27 tumors were on the lower lip. Twenty-five defects were located on the mucosal lip, eight defects involved both the mucosal and cutaneous lips, and one defect was confined to the cutaneous lip. Eighteen defects were smaller than 50% of the total lip size, and 16 were larger than 50%. Primary closure was mostly performed for defects smaller than 50% of the lip size (9/18 cases), and local flap, according to the location and size of the defects, was performed for larger defects. Thirteen patients experienced postoperative complications but improved within 1 year after surgery, except for one patient. We suggest a reconstruction algorithm with a 50% cut-off value. Defects smaller than 50% of the lip size could be reconstructed by primary closure. Even larger defects could be reconstructed by creation of a local flap from the remaining adjacent tissue with minimal postoperative complications.

Unresectable infantile myofibroma discovered in utero.

The authors present a case of a proliferative nodule located beneath an infant's lower lip that was initially discovered on prenatal ultrasound and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Biopsy revealed a smooth muscle actin-positive spindled cell proliferation with hemangiopericytoma-like vessels consistent with infantile myofibromatosis (IM). Since the location prevented surgical management, the clinicians opted to observe the lesion. Ultimately, the lesion fully regressed on its own confirming conservative management is an option for isolated IM.

Reconstruction of Broad Lower Lip Defects Using Karapandzic-Type Flaps.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of lower lip defects is challenging because of the functional and aesthetic demands of the lower face. We review the functional and aesthetic outcomes of the Karapandzic-type flaps for reconstructing lower lip defects. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent repair using Karapandzic-type flaps. RESULTS: Fifty patients with lower lip defects ranging from 20% to 95% (mean 59.2% ± 20%) were included. Eighteen patients (36%) were repaired using a bilateral flap, and 32 (64%) were reconstructed using a unilateral flap design. All patients had preservation of oral competency and a satisfactory aesthetic result. No patient complained of microstomia. A complication rate of 8% was noted ( n = 4) with postoperative wound infection and small areas of dehiscence. There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates in patients older than 75 years, in patients with a history of head/neck radiation, or in defects greater than 70% of lower lip breadth. CONCLUSION: Karapandzic-type flaps are versatile and reliable for the reconstruction of a broad range of lower lip defects. This one-stage procedure can produce superior functional and aesthetic results as compared with other local and distant flaps with minimal risk of functional microstomia.

Primary repair with no flaps for lower lip defects (30-80 %) after cancer excision.

Reconstruction of the lip is a necessary procedure when lip tumors are excised. Although many good techniques have been described, they often have disadvantages such as necrosis and extensive suture lines. In our approach, we aim to minimize the suture line and avoid tissue necrosis for medium-sized lip defects (30-80 %). This is a surgical technique report from a single center. After tumor resection, we made a bilateral 15 mm horizontal skin and mucosa incision from the angles of the lip to the lateral sides. The mucosa and skin were dissected from the underlying muscle, and the muscle was cut approximately 15 mm on each side. The lip defect was then closed and sutured in four layers. Finally, the released mucosa was sutured to the corner of the incised skin. We followed the patients for 36 months and found that their speech intelligibility, sensation, mobility, and aesthetic satisfaction were preserved. The scars were also less pronounced compared to flaps, and there were no signs of edema or drooling. In conclusion, our technique offers many advantages for moderate defects of lower lip tumors. By avoiding the use of flaps, we eliminate the complications associated with flap surgery while achieving aesthetically satisfactory results. However, further evaluation by other surgeons is necessary to fully examine the technique's benefits.

Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for treatment of lip cancer.

Lip and oral cavity cancer is a severe and growing problem, ranked 16th for both incidence and mortality worldwide. These malignancies are mainly treated with surgery, which can cause a wide range of sequelae. Despite ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) being widely used, there is no report concerning its application in lip cancer. This study presents a case of ultrasound-guided MWA in a 97-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and lymph node metastases under the lower lip. The patient was unsuitable for surgery due to his older age. At the most recent 1-year follow-up after treatment, the patient remained in good condition with no symptoms of dysphagia or slurred speech, and the cosmetic results were excellent. Based on clinical evaluation and radiographic imaging, there was no evidence of metastasis or recurrence. Ultrasound-guided MWA could be a promising option for the management of lip cancer.

Role of the neck dissection in early-stage lower lip cancers.

Background: In early-stage lip cancer, spread to cervical lymph nodes is extremely rare. Elective neck treatment options include suprahyoid or supraomohyoid neck dissection, sentinel lymph node biopsy, or close follow-up. Aim: In this study, our aim was to investigate the effect of elective surgery on survival in patients operated for early-stage lip cancer. Methods: Patients who underwent surgical treatment for lower lip squamous cell carcinoma between 2005 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Age, gender, neck dissection status (yes/no), clinical and pathological T stage of the tumor, grade, and perineural invasion were recorded and 3-year and 5-year overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were estimated. Results: Thirty patients were included: 20 patients had pT1 and 10 patients had pT2 tumors. Neck dissection was performed in 13 patients. The 5-year OS rate was 90.9% and 87.8% with and without dissection, respectively. Neck dissection did not appear to affect OS (P = 0.534) in these patients. The 5-year DFS rate was 96.4% in the overall group, while it was 91.7% and 100% in patients who did or did not undergo neck dissection, respectively (P = 0.756). Discussion: Patients with or without neck dissection did not differ significantly in terms of OS and DFS. Watchful waiting with regular ultrasound imaging of the neck in patients with T1 and T2 lip tumors may be an appropriate therapeutic option.

Total lower lip reconstruction: a review of recent advances.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review describes the fundamental principles and recent advances in the reconstruction of total lower lip defects to restore peri-oral aesthetic and function. RECENT FINDINGS: Modifications to the Abbe flap and visor flap have recently been described. Recent advances to free flap techniques have focused on dynamic restoration of lower lip sling function after reconstruction. This involves the transfer of innervated or noninnervated muscle tissue to reconstruct the lower lip to restore the sphincter function of the lips. SUMMARY: The reconstructive goals for a full thickness lower lip defect are to restore a functional oral sphincter, replace mucosal and external skin, and maintain a functional size of the oral aperture. Local flap reconstruction of sub-total lower lip defects is possible, but use of local flaps for total lip reconstruction often leads to microstomia. Several static and dynamic free tissue transfer options exist for lower lip reconstruction and have been summarized in this review.

Simple lip reconstruction technique for middle-sized defects in lower lip cancer - Bilateral oblique mucosal V-Y advancement flap.

There is no standardized technique for lip reconstruction because the structure and functions of the lip are diverse. We developed a new lip reconstructive approach using a bilateral oblique mucosal V-Y advancement flap. We present the case of a 76-year-old woman with severe dementia, referred to our institute for a tumor on her lower lip. She was diagnosed with lip squamous cell carcinoma (cT2N0M0). The tumor measured 25 × 20 mm. It was resected with a surgical safety margin of 6 mm. Bilateral triangular flaps were fashioned obliquely on the rear lateral side of the defect extending from the labial to the buccal mucosa and used to repair the defect. The operation time was 66 min. She was discharged on the fourth postoperative day without any complications. Speech and food intake functions have been preserved and she has been followed up for 26 months with no recurrence. The lip closing and color match has been adequate despite a slight thinning of the lip. This technique offered a major benefit of short operation and hospitalization time because it was a simple, less-invasive, one-step procedure. This is a practical procedure, suitable for vulnerable patients of advanced age or with comorbidities.

Lower lip reconstruction using McGregor fan technique with or without depressor anguli oris chimeric flap. Is there a difference in function and aesthetic outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Lower lip reconstruction aims to maintain facial subunit function and aesthetics. We present a minor modification of the McGregor flap technique, in which depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is separately elevated as a chimeric flap together to investigate the outcomes for reconstructing lower lip defects using various functional parameters. METHODS: The study included patients who underwent surgical repair of lower lip defects using a McGregor fan flap with or without DAO muscle chimeric flap between January 2018 and May 2021. The patients were divided into our modified technique with DAO chimeric flap (study group) and conventional McGregor (control group). The primary outcomes were functional evaluation of oral competency, speech intelligibility, and tactile sensation of reconstructed lip outcomes. The functional satisfaction and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were enrolled (10 patients for each group). Excellent oral competence was present in 12 patients, favorably significant in patients with DAO chimeric flap (n = 8/10, p = 0.018). All patients had intelligible speech with insignificant differences between the two groups. No patients demonstrated differences to light touch from baseline sensation at 1 year. Patients in the study group reported more lip function satisfaction (p = 0.049). The POSAS score indicates satisfaction with the appearance of all patients. CONCLUSION: McGregor fan technique combined with DAO muscle chimeric flap offers a good choice by maintaining sensory and motor functions. Our minor modification can ensure the integrity of the oral sphincter, leading to improved lower lip function.