Background: The submental island flap (SIF) and pectoralis major myocutaneus flap (PMMF) offer alternative techniques
in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction, particularly in conditions where, free flaps are not available, or the patients are unfit.
Aim: The present study aims to compare the submental island flap versus pectoralis major myocutaneus in oral cavity
reconstruction after ablation of squamous cell carcinoma regarding flap morbidities, esthetic, functional, and oncologic
outcomes.
Methods: Sixty patients with oral cavity cancers were divided into two groups of 30 patients, who underwent submental and
pectoralis major myocutaneus flaps for reconstruction from January 2018 to 2020, were included in the study. The patients were
evaluated and followed -up for 1 year.
Results: The mean age was (53.9 ± 14.1) in PMMF group vs. (51.7 ± 15.4) in SIF group. There was no statistical significant
difference in age and sex distribution between the groups. PMMF has statistically significantly higher excellent functional
outcome vs. SIF, while there was no statistical significance difference in esthetic outcomes between the two groups.
Conclusion: Both submental flap and pectoralis major myocutaneus flap are considered preferable and consistent options for
oral cancer reconstruction with satisfactory cosmetic and functional results and reasonable oncological safety.