Versatility of the inferiorly based nasolabial flap for reconstruction in early oral cancer patients: Our experience in a tertiary cancer centre

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The nasolabial flap is a simple, yet efficient method of soft tissue reconstruction with a very reliable blood supply which can be used to reconstruct soft tissue defects of various parts of the oral cavity. Aim of the study was to study the effectiveness of the inferiorly based nasolabial flaps for reconstruction in early oral cancer patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 28 patients with T1 or T2 malignant lesions of the oral cavity were studied retrospectively who underwent reconstructions using the inferiorly based nasolabial flap. Flap viability, wound problems, infections, function, scar and recurrence were noted post-operatively for all the patients included in the study. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months after the surgery. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The nasolabial flap was used to reconstruct defects of buccal mucosa, oral commissure, lower lip, lateral border of the tongue, hard palate and the floor of the mouth. The flap was viable in all patients with no recurrences. Cosmetic and functional outcomes were good. However few patients developed minor complications like post-operative trismus, severe wound contracture, ectropion and infection and wound dehiscence. Intra oral hair growth over the flap used were one of the main problems in the majority of male patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>If proper attention is given to flap designing, operative technique and post-operative management, the NLF is a viable and versatile option for reconstruction of small to intermediate defects of the oral cavity created post ablation of early tumors of the oral cavity.</p>

Review of Nasolabial Island Flap as a Useful Option for Reconstruction of Intraoral Defects in Patients with Buccal Mucosa Carcinoma

“…The supply is from mainly facial and its transverse branch. The flap based inferiorly is supplied by facial artery and the one based superiorly is supplied by transverse facial artery [11,12].…”

“…For limited defects following tumor resection in the buccal mucosa of floor of the mouth, nasolabial flaps show good functional and esthetic results [4,15,16]. Speech remains unaffected [12,13], there is minimal morbidity of donor site [12,13]. None of the studies reported of patient complaint regarding cosmetic appearance [9].…”

“…Chandraiah et al [12] used nasolabial flap for reconstruction, the outcome in form of post operative viability, wound problems, infection, function, scar and recurrence was studied. The flap was found to be viable in all 28 patients ,cosmetic and functional outcome was good.…”

“…According to them, Nasolabial flap is a versatile option in early tumors of oral cavity for small, intermediate defects [10]. Post-operatively little functional deficiency was seen .It was preferred to pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and radial forearm free flap [12].…”