Inferiorly Based Nasolabial Flap: A Reliable Option for Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction.

Abstract

Introduction: Reconstruction of defects in the maxillofacial region can be challenging. Anatomy, location and size of the defect are major determinants of type of flap that could be used whether local, regional or distant. Nasolabial flap is one of the local flaps that can be used for reconstructing small to moderate size soft tissue defects, especially when microsurgical free flaps are less feasible due to lack of infrastructure, expertise or financial constraints. Aims and Objectives:To study the effectiveness of the nasolabial flaps in reconstruction of orofacial defects of various origins. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 37 patients (49 nasolabial flaps) 25 unilateral flaps & 12 bilateral flaps. Of these, 30 patients had reconstruction following oncological resection. All flaps were inferiorly based, and 36 flaps required a second stage for separation after 3 weeks. Patients were evaluated for postoperative complications, flap uptake, donor site morbidity, postoperative extraoral scarring and patient's satisfaction.Results: Good results in form of function and cosmesis were obtained in most of patients. Postoperative complications were relatively minor as tip of flap necrosis, and oro-cutaneous fistula. The average time taken for flap harvesting was 43 minutes for bilateral nasolabial flaps and 27 minutes for unilateral ones. Conclusion:The nasolabial flap is a simple and reliable flap that can be used in reconstruction of small to moderate sized defects in orofacial region with good cosmetics and functional outcomes.