Outcome of Nasolabial Flap in the Reconstruction of Head and Neck Defects

Abstract

Nasolabial flaps have been recognized as versatile flaps for a variety of defects in the face, nose, lip and the oral cavity and intraoral defects created after the excision of benign and malignant tumours. Nasolabial flaps have been utilized for covering small-to-medium size defects and usually require a second-stage procedure to divide the flap. To study the outcome of nasolabial flap in the reconstruction of head and neck defects. A prospective analysis of 25 cases was done. Of this, 24 cases were oral cancers, and one case was post-traumatic left ala loss. Oral cancers from stage I to IVa were treated with primary wide local excision, nasolabial flap reconstruction and neck dissection. Of this, 3 cases underwent bilateral nasolabial flap reconstruction. Flap release was done as a second-stage procedure after 3weeks. Good cosmetic and functional results were obtained in almost all cases. Flap tip necrosis was noted in 2 cases, ectropion in 1 case, orocutaneous fistula in 1 case and disease recurrence in 2 cases. Pedicled nasolabial flap is a reliable flap for the reconstruction of small- and medium-sized defects in the oral cavity after excision of primary tumours and results in good overall cosmetic and functional outcome.