Application of the pedicled submental flap in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

<b>Introduction:</b> The submental island flap, which is based on the submental vessels - the branches of the facial artery and vein - enables simple formation and relocation of the skin of this area.<b>Aim:</b> The goal of this study was a retrospective analysis of reconstructions in the head and neck region performed with pedicled submental flaps, including associated complications and oncological outcomes.<b>Material and methods:</b> A group of 15 patients with submental flap reconstruction (which was used to restore the continuity of the oral mucosa) was analyzed. All patients presented with locally low-advanced squamous cell carcinoma without nodal metastasis (T1-3, N0). The skin perforator was identified with a handheld Doppler device while raising the flap. The skin paddle was moved to the oral cavity. In all patients, the negative margins were confirmed by intraoperative frozen section histological analysis.<b>Results:</b> The vascular disturbances were found in two patients during the postoperative period. Complete flap loss was observed in one case, while in the other, 50% of the skin island became necrotic. Substitution of oral mucosa in the tongue, gum, or cheek with skin did not cause any problems. No significant disturbances in the mobility of the reconstructed tissues were noticed. The wound of the donor site healed without complications.<b>Conclusions:</b> The submental flap seems to be an interesting and uncomplicated reconstructive solution in the treatment of low-grade tumors of the oral cavity.