Temporalis muscle flap for craniofacial reconstruction after tumor resection

J Craniofac Surg. 2000 May;11(3):258-64. doi: 10.1097/00001665-200011030-00011.

Abstract

Temporalis muscle flap provides a good solution for the reconstruction of craniofacial defects after tumor resection. Nine patients with complicated defects located at the upper two thirds of the face, anterior cranial base, or mastoid region are presented. Five patients had orbital exenteration, two with total maxillectomy and two with anterior craniofacial resection. Temporalis muscle flap provided profuse well-vascularized tissue for the obliteration of orbital exenteration and total maxillectomy cavities and coverage of surface defects. Cranial, oral, and nasal spaces were separated successfully in all patients. Temporalis muscle flap is a very reliable technique with low complication rates and few donor site problems. This safe and technically easy flap can be preferred for the reconstruction of craniofacial defects after ablative tumor surgery, especially in older and debilitated patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Basosquamous / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Ear Neoplasms / surgery
  • Ear, External / surgery
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / surgery
  • Facial Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mastoid / surgery
  • Maxilla / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Orbit Evisceration / rehabilitation
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Safety
  • Skull Base / surgery
  • Skull Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Surgical Flaps*
  • Temporal Muscle / transplantation*