Oncological outcomes of the facial artery musculomucosal flap for oral cavity reconstruction

Background: Facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flaps are used for reconstruction of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). This study evaluates the oncologic safety of the FAMM flaps for OCSCC reconstruction, given the need to preserve the facial artery and vein during elective neck dissection. Design & methods: Retrospective single surgeon case series of all patients undergoing FAMM flap reconstruction for OCSCC from 2016 through 2023. Case analysis included tumor location, classification and staging, surgical details, and post-operative outcomes including locoregional and overall disease control. Results: Twenty-one patients underwent FAMM reconstruction after resection for OCSCC. Age ranged from 40 to 85 years old (mean 61), 15 (71 %) were male. Sixteen (76 %) patients underwent neck dissection. Follow-up ranged from 0 to 81 months (mean 28). One patient (5 %) recurred in ipsilateral neck level IV, one (5 %) had a second primary tumor, and three patients (14 %) developed distant metastases. Conclusions: FAMM flap represents a safe and reliable option for reconstruction after OCSCC. In our series there was no significant increased risk of locoregional recurrence.