Objective: Oral incompetence is a problem frequently experienced after free-flap reconstruction of the oral cavity for patients with oral carcinoma. We describe an interesting treatment modality to deal with this pathology.
Methods: A 60-year-old woman diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of her oral floor was treated with chemoradiation with complete response, and after suffering recurrence underwent composite mandibulectomy via visor flap and immediate fibular free flap reconstruction. Postoperatively, she was treated with adjuvant chemoradiation and developed oral incompetence months afterward. We performed lower lip suspension with Gore-Tex (Gore - Flagstaff, Arizona) suture with good functional and aesthetic outcome.
Results: As of 9 months postoperatively, oral competence was achieved with good functional and aesthetic outcome.
Conclusions: This approach is a viable, simple means of restoring oral competence secondary to loss of static control of the lower lip.
Keywords: Gore-Tex suture; free-flap reconstruction; lip suspension; oral carcinoma; oral incompetence.