engleski

Reconstruction of the lower lip after tumor ablation – review on Webster’s method for the lower lip total defect reconstruction

Lips perform multiple roles. They are actually the anterior sphincter of the oral cavity, and as such, they protect the oral cavity and in their function they act to avoid food and saliva from being spilled from the mouth. When reconstructing lips main priorities are to obtain appropriate height and mobility. Lower lip has no anatomical specifics as the upper lip has (philtrum, Cupids arch, nasolabial sulcus). One of the main roles of the lower lip is avoid food from being spilled while maintaining its height. Mobility of the lower lip is also important for speech and speech mimicry. When reconstructing the lower lip we can use wedge excision that works for up to 1/3 of the lower lip and vermilionectomy (Spira-Hardy 1964). For larger defects we can use step like sliding flaps (Johanson 1974, Skoog). This presentation depicts total or subtotal reconstruction of the lower lip using the Webster’s method from 1960. This method absolutely satisfies all the tasks in reconstruction of the lower lip because it maintains height and preserves mobility. There are other methods of lower lip reconstruction, for example Karapandžić’s method. This method supersedes the previously mentioned one in terms of functionality, i.e. better mobility due to neu romuscular graft transfer but aesthetic component falls far behind the Webster’s method (microstoma). Even though it is relatively old, Webster’s method satisfies functional and aesthetic demands keeping in mind the principles of oncological surgery.

cancer of the lower lip ; surgical reconstruction ; Webster method

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