Reconstruction of lower lip defect using the Abbe-Estlander flap: A case report

Lee, Jong Min; Oh, Jung Hwan

Abstract

The reconstruction of perioral defects following resection of cancer on the perioral region has been a challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Surgical management of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) typically involves resection of the carcinoma with a 1cm margin of normal appearing tissue. A large surgical defect is often encountered. The goals of perioral reconstruction are esthetics and function, with oral competence and good lip control. Abbe described the operation that bears his name in 1898, when he reported on the repair of a "conspicuous deformity" in a 21-year-old man born with bilateral cleft lip and palate. Since that time, Abbe flap reconstruction has been used more frequently for repair following resection of malignancies. Large defects of the lips have been repaired with recent modifications of the Abbe flap. The technique has been popularized by Estlander for reconstruction of the lower lip. We have treated 70-year-old male patient with SCC on lower lip using Abbe-Estlander flap. Postoperatively the results showed good prognosis. So we report the result of its treatment and case with review of literatures.