Pivoted composite nasal septal flap for reconstruction of the nose

Abstract

Reconstruction of nasal tip support and internal lining after excision of nasal carcinoma is challenging. Since its original description by Menick in 1989, the outcomes of bipedicled septal pivot flap are rarely reported in the literature. Objective of this work is to review our results using the Septal pivoted flap in nasal reconstruction. It is a retrospective case series, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. We studied six patients who underwent significant resection of the tip and dorsum of the nose for squamous or basal cell carcinoma. All involved nasal subunits were removed. Nasal reconstruction was subsequently performed using an inferiorly bipedicled pivoted composite nasal septal flap combined with a regional flap for skin coverage. The bipedicled SPF provided excellent support of the nasal tip in all six cases. All flaps in the cohort survived. Five patients had good mucosal lining from the septal flap alone and only one patient required a concurrent pericranial flap. Three patients experienced bleeding and required additional nasal packing. A bipedicled septal pivoted flap is exceptionally useful in providing a good tip support and well-vascularized nasal lining for reconstruction after major resection of the nasal tip. Bleeding is common and should be anticipated in the majority of patients.