Pedicled Islanded Nasolabial Flap Tunneled Under Mandible for Tongue Reconstruction

Abstract

Nasolabial flap is reliable flap in the reconstruction of oral defects over a period of time. Still there is scanty literature available of using this flap for reconstruction of isolated defects of tongue. We carried out this study in our patients to assess the role of pedicled nasolabial flap in reconstruction of isolated tongue defects. In total, 11 patients with T1 and T2 tongue cancer were selected for the study. The functional improvement in the form of speech and swallowing was evaluated postoperatively. The flap was successfully taken in all patients except for marginal or tip loss. This is a locally available flap with minimal operating time and does not require microvascular skills. The results of speech and swallowing after reconstruction were comparable. Nasolabial flap is an excellent locally available flap for the reconstruction of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and with very minor, if any postoperative cosmetic defect.