Surgical Treatment of Non-Traumatic Lower Lip Lesions with Special Reference to the Step Technique: A Follow-up on 149 Patients

Abstract

During a 10-year period 149 patients with non-traumatic lesions of the lower lip were operated with various methods. To overcome certain functional drawbacks with the procedures used in the early cases a new technique was developed and used in 102 cases. In order to preserve functional orbicular continuity and intact labial commissures, one or two advancement flaps from the remaining parts of the lower lip were moved in a stepwise fashion to bridge the defect. The step technique could be used for defects up to two-thirds of the lower lip, which constituted adequate resection in the vast majority of the lower lip cancers in the present series. The functional and cosmetic results of this method were satisfactory regarding sensibility, mobility, symmetry and width of the oral orifice. 69 cases of primary cancer of the lower lip had a 3 year cure rate of 100%. 27 cases treated for recurrent cancer after radiotherapy and/or earlier surgical treatment had an overall 3-year cure rate of 77%. The importance of adequate primary resection is emphasized.