Peter Maurer1, Alexander W Eckert, Johannes Schubert. 1. Department of Oral and Plastic Maxillofacial Surgery, Martin-Luther-University, Halle-Wittenberg, Germany. peter.maurer@medizin.uni-halle.de
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyse the results of treatment following reconstruction of intraoral soft tissue using a nasolabial flap, with particular consideration of functional aspects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 26 patients (over a period of 10 years), the intraoral repair of the defect was carried out in the anterior floor of the mouth, 19 have received a unilateral and seven a bilateral nasolabial flap. The defects were caused by resection of squamous cell carcinomas (T1-T2) of the intraoral mucosa in 24 cases and osteoradionecrosis with soft tissue loss in two cases. RESULTS: Complications of local wound healing were observed in three cases. In 23 patients the subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation was successful and allowed a return of masticatory function. In the other three cases, a secondary operation for flap remodelling would have been preferred, but the patients declined these operations. CONCLUSION: The nasolabial flap for replacement of soft tissue in the floor of the mouth represents a functional and aesthetically satisfactory alternative to reconstruction by microsurgically anastomosed flaps in cases with defects of up to 5 x 5 cm in size, especially in older, medically compromised patients who are therefore of poorer surgical risk. Copyright 2002 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyse the results of treatment following reconstruction of intraoral soft tissue using a nasolabial flap, with particular consideration of functional aspects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 26 patients (over a period of 10 years), the intraoral repair of the defect was carried out in the anterior floor of the mouth, 19 have received a unilateral and seven a bilateral nasolabial flap. The defects were caused by resection of squamous cell carcinomas (T1-T2) of the intraoral mucosa in 24 cases and osteoradionecrosis with soft tissue loss in two cases. RESULTS: Complications of local wound healing were observed in three cases. In 23 patients the subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation was successful and allowed a return of masticatory function. In the other three cases, a secondary operation for flap remodelling would have been preferred, but the patients declined these operations. CONCLUSION: The nasolabial flap for replacement of soft tissue in the floor of the mouth represents a functional and aesthetically satisfactory alternative to reconstruction by microsurgically anastomosed flaps in cases with defects of up to 5 x 5 cm in size, especially in older, medically compromised patients who are therefore of poorer surgical risk. Copyright 2002 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.