Nasolabial flap for the reconstruction of defects of the floor of the mouth.

Nasolabial flaps can be used for local reconstruction of moderate defects of the anterior oronasal structures. In a 10-year period 59 flaps were used in 43 patients to cover defects of the nose, lip and anterior structures of the oral cavity (floor of mouth, tongue, alveolar process). The fate of 26 of the flaps used for reconstruction of defects of the floor of the mouth in 16 patients, were reviewed. All flaps, 6 uni- and 10 bilateral, were inferiorly based. Dehiscence, which occurred twice, and loss of one flap were the main complications. The indications and the technique are discussed. The nasolabial flap is a good alternative for the reconstruction of moderate defects of the floor of the mouth, especially in older patients and even after high doses of preoperative radiotherapy.