Temporal myofascial flap in reconstructive surgery of the oral cavity.

AIM: The temporal myofascial flap is a simple, rapid and reliable surgical method for immediate reconstruction of facial defects: indications in the light of modern anatomical knowledge and personal experience, with the accent on achieving an appropriate access route without damaging the facial nerve. METHODS: Our series covers the period from January 1999 to December 2004, during which time myofascial flaps of temporal muscle were used for immediate reconstruction in 20 surgical oncological cases involving the face and neck. RESULTS: Postoperative progress was regular; no lesions of the facial nerve were observed, nor any cases of flap necrosis, including partial. Epithelialisation could already be observed as early as 15 days postsurgery without skin grafting being employed. CONCLUSIONS: Application of a Medpor prosthesis eliminates the only negative outcome from the aesthetic standpoint, related to harvesting the muscle from the fossa.