Modified Flap-Mucosa Suturing Technique Preventing Oral Flap Reconstruction From Postoperative Epidermoid Cysts

Flaps have become a pivotal surgical option in oral reconstruction due to their versatility and reliable reconstructive outcomes. Complications associated with flap reconstruction include venous compromise, infection, hematoma, and, rarely, postoperative epidermoid cyst formation. Reducing flap-related complications remains a major goal in reconstructive surgery. We present a diagnostically challenging case of an epidermoid cyst arising at the site of an anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) 3 years after tongue cancer reconstruction; the lesion was initially suspected to be recurrent oral cancer. In addition, we describe a modified flap-mucosa suturing technique and present preliminary clinical observations suggesting that it may reduce the incidence of postoperative epidermoid cysts.