Clinical Application of the Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap in Immediate Reconstruction of Oral Tissue Defects in Oral Surgery

Comprehensive analysis of risk factors for flap necrosis in free flap reconstruction of postoperative tissue defects in oral and maxillofacial tumors

Free flap reconstruction for postoperative tissue defects in oral and maxillofacial tumors is a critical component of reconstructive surgery. Identifying risk factors for flap necrosis is essential for improving surgical outcomes and patient quality of life. A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent free flap reconstruction between January 2020 and December 2023. Patients were included if they had comprehensive medical records and at least a six-month follow-up. We excluded those with a history of flap necrosis, uncontrolled systemic diseases, non-adherence to postoperative care, or concurrent malignancy treatments. Data on demographics, comorbidities, flap characteristics, and operative details were collected and analyzed using univariate analysis and logistic regression tests. Univariate analysis did not find a significant correlation between flap necrosis and factors such as hyperlipidemia, lymph node metastasis, or flap type. However, diabetes mellitus, oral infections, and albumin levels below 35 g/L were significantly associated with flap necrosis. Multivariate logistic regression showed diabetes mellitus increased the odds of flap necrosis by approximately ninefold, and oral infection increased it by over tenfold. Diabetes mellitus, oral infection, and low albumin levels are significant risk factors for flap necrosis in free flap reconstruction after oral and maxillofacial surgery. Prompt identification and management of these factors are crucial to mitigate the risk of flap necrosis.

A Review of the Use of Buccal Fat Pad in Cleft Palate Repair

OBJECTIVE

To review the available evidence on the use of the Buccal Fat Pad in primary and secondary Cleft Palate repair.

METHODS

This is a narrative review. A computerized literature search was conducted for articles published till February 2022 using the Mesh phrases buccal fat pad AND cleft palate, Bichat's Fat pad AND cleft palate, buccal fat pad OR Bichats Fat pad AND cleft palate.

RESULTS

A total of 35 articles were included in this review based on the set eligibility criteria. Most of the studies were retrospective case reviews (n  =  16, 45.7%), and the aggregate number of patients from all included studies was 666. Reported uses of the buccal fat pad (BFP) in association with cleft palate repair include the closure of central cleft palate defect and nasal floor in primary cleft palate repair, oronasal fistula repair following primary repair of cleft palate, and closure of relieving incision defect in primary repair of cleft palate. Complications reported were 24 cases of Oronasal Fistula (ONF), 2 dehiscences, and 4 transient mucosal defects.

CONCLUSION

The high success rate, vascularity, ease of tissue harvest, and low donor site morbidity all support its use as an adjunct flap in cleft palate repair, especially in the closure of wide palatal clefts, to prevent post-palatal repair fistula, wound contracture, and subsequently velopharyngeal insufficiency and possibly midface hypoplasia.

The use of a pedicled buccal fat pad for reconstruction of posterior mandibular defects

Background

The pedicled buccal fat pad has been used for a long time to reconstruct oral defects due to its ease of flap formation and few complications. Many cases related to reconstruction of defects in the maxilla, such as closing the oroantral fistula, have been reported, but cases related to the reconstruction of defects in the mandible are limited. Under adequate anterior traction, pedicled buccal fat pad can be a reliable and effective method for reconstruction of surgical defects in the posterior mandible.

Case presentation

This study describes two cases of reconstruction of surgical oral defects in the posterior mandible, all of which were covered by a pedicled buccal fat pad. The size of the flap was sufficient to perfectly close the defect without any tension. Photographic and radiologic imaging showed successful closure of the defects and no problems were noted in the treated area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pedicled buccal fat pad graft is a convenient and reliable method for the reconstruction of surgical defects on the posterior mandible.

Titanium mesh and pedicled buccal fat pad for the reconstruction of maxillary defect: case report

Background

Pedicled buccal fat pad (PBFP) has been used for the reconstruction of small-sized maxillary defects but cannot be used without hard tissue support on the defect larger than 4 cm × 4 cm × 3 cm.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old man had a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the left maxilla. After removal of the posterior maxilla, a complex bone defect (size, 5 cm × 4 cm × 3 cm) was immediately reconstructed using PBFP combined with a titanium mesh. A pinpoint fistula was found in the left palatal region 1 month after the surgery and was treated with a palatal sliding flap. There were no further complications during the follow-up.

Conclusion

The present technique demonstrated that PBFP combined with a titanium mesh could be used for the reconstruction of complex maxillary defect (size, 5 cm × 4 cm × 3 cm) without additional bone graft.

Technique of the Buccal Fat Pad Flap as an Alternative for the Surgical Defect of Pleomorphic Adenoma

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign salivary gland neoplasm, and its malignant transformation rarely occurs. Diagnosis is based on clinical features of local or regional malignancy or distant metastasis, and histological identification of invasion and cellular atypia. Buccal fat pad, also called Bichat fat pad, is an excellent option to create tissue coverage over surgically treated areas, providing great blood supply. Thus, this study aims to report a surgical treatment of a patient who reported to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology service of a hospital in the city of Fortaleza, presenting a large lesion in the right side of the palate. Clinical examination revealed a nodular volume increase with smooth surface, sessile insertion, firm to palpation and coloration similar to the mucosa, no pain complaints, and 2 years of evolution. Orthopantomographic examination did not reveal alterations in the adjacent anatomical structures. After clinical and radiographic evaluation, an incisional biopsy was performed and histopathological diagnosis was PA. Patient was submitted to surgery for tumor excision with narrow surgical margins, including oral lining mucosa to reduce recurrence chances. In the same surgical act, after the excision of the lesion, the right buccal fat pad pedicle flap was sutured onto the residual mucosa in order to act as a framework for re-epithelialization of the palatal mucosa, phenomenon of metaplasia, and reduction of patient's morbidity. Surgical piece obtained was sent to anatomopathological study, confirming initial diagnosis. After 12-month follow-up, patient is esthetically and functionally rehabilitated, and satisfied with clinical and surgical plans executed.

Reconstruction of large oroantral defects using a pedicled buccal fat pad

Background

Oroantral communicating defects, characterized by a connection between the maxillary sinus and the oral cavity, are often induced by tooth extraction, removal of cysts and benign tumors, and resection of malignant tumors. The surgical defect may develop into an oroantral fistula, with resultant patient discomfort and chronic maxillary sinusitis. Small defects may close spontaneously; however, large oroantral defects generally require reconstruction. These large defects can be reconstructed with skin grafts and vascularized free flaps with or without bone graft. However, such surgical techniques are complex and technically difficult. A buccal fat pad is an effective, reliable, and straightforward material for reconstruction.

Case presentation

This report describes three cases of reconstruction of large oroantral defects, all of which were covered by a pedicled buccal fat pad. Follow-up photography and radiologic imaging showed successful closure of the oroantral defects. Furthermore, there were no operative site complications, and no patient reported postsurgical discomfort.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of the pedicled buccal fat pad is a reliable, safe, and successful method for the reconstruction of large oroantral defects.