Nasolabial flap reconstruction of oral cavity defects: A report of 18 cases

Purpose: This article describes the successful use of pedicled nasolabial f laps in the reconstruction of various oral cavity defects with or without a djunctive microvascular free tissue transfer. Patients and Methods: Twenty-eight flaps were performed in 18 patients, for a variety of oral cavity defects. Results: All flaps healed without evidence of necrosis, infection, or dehis cence. Patient satisfaction with this procedure was high. The use of the na solabial flap appears to provide an improvement in overall functional outco me. Conclusions: The inferiorly based nasolabial flap provides reliable coverag e of intermediate-sized oral cavity defects when used alone. It can improve mastication and speech when used in conjunction with microvascular free ti ssue transfer for the reconstruction of large combined defects of the tongu e and floor of mouth. (C) 2000 American Association of Oral and Maxillofaci al Surgeons.