Use of nasolabial flap in intra and extraoral reconstruction: our experience with 40 cases.

Purpose: This article represents the use of inferiorly based nasolabial flap in reconstruction of various intraoral and extraoral defects.

Patients And Methods: Nasolabial flaps were performed in 40 patients, for reconstruction of buccal mucosa, gingivobuccal sulcus, commissure, lower lip, floor of mouth, upper lip and lower alveolar defects.

Results: The most common defect site in the oral cavity was the buccal mucosa. Partial flap necrosis occurred in five patients. Out of 40 cases of carcinoma of lip, commissure and floor of the mouth, all the patients had good speech after complete healing of the wound. None of the patients who had lip or commissure reconstruction developed drooling of saliva due to lip incompetence.

Conclusion: The inferiorly based nasolabial flap provides reliable coverage of intermediate-sized oral cavity defects when used alone. Minimal donor morbidity is associated with its use. It is especially useful in elderly patients with facial skin laxity and where esthetics is not a major concern.