Mamoon Rashid, Saadur Rehman Sarwar, Shahid Hameed, Tahir Masood.
Experience with lateral cheek rotation flap for the reconstruction of medial cheek soft tissue defects.
J Pak Med Assoc Jan ;56(5):227-9.

Objective: To analyze the results of reconstruction in terms of complications, functional restoration and cosmetic restoration of lateral cheek rotation flap. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted between April 2004 and January 2005. Patient`s particulars and history were documented. The cause, whether trauma or tumor resection, and dimensions of the defects were recorded. All the patients underwent a "cheek rotation flap" procedure to reconstruct the defect. Post-operative complications like hematoma formation, infection and flap necrosis were noted. Results were assessed in terms of functional as well as aesthetic restoration. Results: A total of 30 patients were included with a male to female ratio of 3:1 and an average age of 46 ± 14.7. The majority of the defects (76%) were post tumour excision, while the rest (24%) followed trauma. The average defect diameter was 7.5 cms. There was no peri-operative mortality or total flap loss. There were three cases (10%) of transient facial nerve palsy who recovered spontaneously. The final reconstruction was deemed satisfactory in terms of functional and cosmetic restoration in the majority of cases (93%). Conclusion: Our results with the lateral cheek rotation flap to reconstruct the defects involving medial cheek have prompted us to recommend it as a first line reconstructive option for many varieties of defects in this area (JPMA 56:227;2006).

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