Partial Upper Lip Reconstruction Using Fujimori Flap: A Case Report

Zakia Berjaou; Samir Cherboub; Ilyass Moustakbal; Jawad Hafidi; Noureddine Gharib; Abdallah Abbassi; Samir Mazzouz

doi:10.18502/ajs.v7i1.16349

Zakia Berjaou Plastic Surgery Department, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
Samir Cherboub Plastic Surgery Department, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
Ilyass Moustakbal Plastic Surgery Department, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
Jawad Hafidi Plastic Surgery Department, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
Noureddine Gharib Plastic Surgery Department, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
Abdallah Abbassi Plastic Surgery Department, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
Samir Mazzouz Plastic Surgery Department, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ajs.v7i1.16349

Keywords: Upper lip, Carcinoma, Reconstruction, Fujimori Gate Flap

Abstract

The Fujimori gate flap is known and used for the reconstruction of defects resulting from oncologic surgery. This case report describes the use of this flap to reconstruct the upper lip of a patient who had a defect following lip carcinoma, resulting in a loss of 2/3 of the upper lip tissue. The case involves a 34-year-old woman presenting a partial lip defect after upper lip carcinoma. She underwent a unilateral gate flap procedure, which allowed the authors to reconstruct the three levels of skin, muscle, and mucosa. Following surgery, no complications were observed. The patient was followed up at three months and a year later. She was able to speak and chew without any trouble after the flap restored oral competency. The patient’s treatment objectives, which included regaining oral competency and achieving an acceptable aesthetic result, were met thanks to the use of the Fujimori gate flap in this case. Compared to the use of other local, regional, or remote flaps, the flap also provides good color matching. The Fujimori flap ensures the restoration of the oral sphincter, in contrast to the typical flaps used to reconstruct the upper and lower lip, thereby promoting oral competence.