Multilobed flaps for intermediate and large nasal defects: Flap characteristics, patient outcomes, and provider experience at two institutions

Abstract

Background While bilobed and trilobed transposition flaps are established workhorses for nasal reconstruction, their utility is often limited to defects less than 1.5 cm, subjecting patients to more involved multistage or cosmetically less favorable repairs. We highlight the use of bilobed and trilobed transposition flaps for intermediate (≥ 1.5 cm) and large (≥ 2.0 cm) nasal defects. Methods Patients reconstructed with multilobed transposition flaps 2017–2020 were identified at two institutions. Validated scar scale (SCAR) and patient component of the patient and observer scar assessment survey (POSAS) were used to assess patient outcomes at a minimum 5-week follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed. Results Thirty-four patients were identified with mean defect size 1.8 cm diameter. There were no major postoperative events. Scar revision was performed in 9 patients. The mean provider SCAR score was 3.06 (best possible 0, worst possible 13). The mean patient arm of the SCAR scale and POSAS were 0.07 (best possible 0, worst possible 2) and 10.93 (best possible 6, worst possible 60), respectively. Conclusion Bilobed and trilobed flaps have excellent outcomes for intermediate and large nasal defects. While bilobed and trilobed transposition flaps are established workhorses for nasal reconstruction, their utility is often limited to defects less than 1.5 cm, subjecting patients to more involved multistage or cosmetically less favorable repairs. We highlight the use of bilobed and trilobed transposition flaps for intermediate (≥ 1.5 cm) and large (≥ 2.0 cm) nasal defects. Patients reconstructed with multilobed transposition flaps 2017–2020 were identified at two institutions. Validated scar scale (SCAR) and patient component of the patient and observer scar assessment survey (POSAS) were used to assess patient outcomes at a minimum 5-week follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed. Thirty-four patients were identified with mean defect size 1.8 cm diameter. There were no major postoperative events. Scar revision was performed in 9 patients. The mean provider SCAR score was 3.06 (best possible 0, worst possible 13). The mean patient arm of the SCAR scale and POSAS were 0.07 (best possible 0, worst possible 2) and 10.93 (best possible 6, worst possible 60), respectively. Bilobed and trilobed flaps have excellent outcomes for intermediate and large nasal defects.