Surgical Lip Cancer Reconstruction in the COVID-19 Era: Are Free Flaps or Loco-Regional Flaps Better?

Lip carcinoma is one of the most frequent conditions affecting general population. It among ten common neoplasms, but despite advances in research and therapy, its prognosis has not improved a significant way past few years, making it challenge medical field surgical treatment. This study was conducted with aim evaluating available reconstructive options for treatment lip carcinomas order to define which could be appropriate technique achieve satisfying aesthetic functional outcomes considering hospital resources COVID-19 era. Seventeen patients were included this retrospective study, took place between January 2019 April 2021. There two groups: seven who underwent radial forearm free flap locoregional flaps. The statistical analysis performed evaluate four different endpoints. Surgical length, ICU stay, hospitalization time minor no statistically difference groups when post-operative complications. Locoregional flaps have more aesthetically pleasing result, from point view, results can superimposable. Both techniques are associated adequate speech, mouth opening, sealing, symmetry. Given impact pandemic on healthcare system, been proven good option reconstruction defects both terms aesthetics outcome.