Lateral forehead flap in oral reconstruction: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Lateral Forehead flap is very versatile as it represents a good choice for reparation of different types of nose and oral cavity defects and provides an optimal, aesthetic, and functional outcome. In era of free transfer tissue, the use of loco-regional flaps, alone or in combination may prove to be the only practical solution in the absence of resources or other options. Case presentation: A-65 years old male with multiple comorbidities underwent a wide resection with adequate margin of the lower lip and small segment of the upper lip due to a locally advanced squamous carcinoma. After long consideration, the last resort was the pedicled lateral forehead flap. Information was sourced from patient’s case notes and operating theatre report. Results: The donor defect was covered with a split-thickness skin graft harvested from the right thigh area. The flap survived and both functional and aesthetic outcome were satisfactory. The site of the donor defect result was also acceptable. No complications were noted in our case study beside a small tip necrosis and breakdown of the suture line. Conclusion: Lateral forehead flap is a reliable flap with an acceptable outcome in cases with previous history of radiotherapy or surgery. Decision making of a particular reconstructive option should be done taking in consideration the available resources, surgical team expertise along with the patient's general condition. The pedicled forehead flap still useful when other options are inappropriate or have not been successful.