Kevin Moore1, Richard Thompson2, Timothy Lian3. 1. LSU Health Shreveport, United States of America. Electronic address: Kmoor6@lsuhsc.edu. 2. LSU Health Shreveport, United States of America. 3. Geisinger Health System, United States of America.
Abstract
IMPORTANCE: Repair of full-thickness nasal defects can often be associated with multi-stage operations that can result in significant physical and psychological morbidity for patients. We present a single-stage option for reconstruction of these defects. OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate the utility of the pedicled levator labii superioris alaeque nasi flap and consistency of its vascular pedicle. DESIGN: Anatomical study using fresh cadavers. SETTING: Academic medical center. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Evaluation of vascular anatomy of pedicled flap and measurements of distances with relationship to facial anatomic landmarks. RESULTS: With few noted anatomic variations, the vascular pedicle of the pedicled levator labii superioris alaeque nasi flap arises from the superior labial artery and is reliably located within 1 cm lateral and inferior of the nasal sill. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: As a robust single-stage option, the pedicled levator labii superioris alaeque nasi flap can serve as a powerful option in the arsenal of the reconstructive surgeon. The technique for harvest is simple with attention to a few anatomic variations as described herein, and excellent results can be obtained with proper application.
IMPORTANCE: Repair of full-thickness nasal defects can often be associated with multi-stage operations that can result in significant physical and psychological morbidity for patients. We present a single-stage option for reconstruction of these defects. OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate the utility of the pedicled levator labii superioris alaeque nasi flap and consistency of its vascular pedicle. DESIGN: Anatomical study using fresh cadavers. SETTING: Academic medical center. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Evaluation of vascular anatomy of pedicled flap and measurements of distances with relationship to facial anatomic landmarks. RESULTS: With few noted anatomic variations, the vascular pedicle of the pedicled levator labii superioris alaeque nasi flap arises from the superior labial artery and is reliably located within 1 cm lateral and inferior of the nasal sill. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: As a robust single-stage option, the pedicled levator labii superioris alaeque nasi flap can serve as a powerful option in the arsenal of the reconstructive surgeon. The technique for harvest is simple with attention to a few anatomic variations as described herein, and excellent results can be obtained with proper application.