Nasolabial flap reconstruction in oral cancer

Several methods described for reconstructing oral defects use either pedicled or free flaps. The pectoralis major flap, a pedicled flap, is commonly used for this purpose; however, this flap is bulky and is associated with considerable donor site morbidity. Likewise, the radial forearm free flap has also become a preferable reconstruction method. It offers a large surface of thin, pliable skin that allows for complex reconstruction, but unfortunately donor site morbidity rates are quite high, for example, through delayed wound healing and exposure of tendons. The need of microsurgical expertise is a major disadvantage [1]. This makes nasolabial flaps ideal for reconstruction of small intraoral defects. The nasolabial flap is a very simple flap used for reconstruction of intraoral defects in the floor of the mouth [2, 3], the tongue, cheek, commissures [4], nose tip, nasal ala, and lower eyelids [5]. The nasolabial flap may be superiorly or inferiorly based. An inferiorly based flap is useful in reconstruction of the lip, oral commissure, and anterior aspect of the floor of the mouth, while superiorly based flaps are utilized for reconstruction of the ala and tip of the nose, and the lower eyelids and cheeks. The choice of pedicle is based on the site of the defect and any need for rotation or advancement of tissue to the site of the defect [5]. The flap may be thick or thin, depending on the requirement of the defect and the thickness of the donor tissues. Intraoral reconstruction with a nasolabial flap is a simple and fast procedure with minimum donor defect and complications. This article reviews our experience with nasolabial flaps in the reconstruction of intraoral defects.

Between 2006 and 2010, 26 patients with oral cancer underwent reconstruction of oral defects using nasolabial flaps. A primary tumor was located in the buccal mucosa in 11 patients, the alveolus in 4 patients, the tip of the tongue in 4 patients, and the commissure and lip in 7 patients. Data were collected from the patients’ operating records and were retrospectively analyzed. Being a retrospective study, this study was exempt from the Institutional Review Board; however, each participant gave written informed consent to use data and photographs for publication.

The versatility and usefulness of the nasolabial flap is well known [9]. The flap has a good vascular supply; hence, survival is high [10]. An abundant blood supply allows for a length to breadth ratio of 3:1. The flap is good for small and intermediate (T1 to T3) intraoral defects. The blood supply of the nasolabial flap is attributed mainly to the facial artery. However, this artery was ligated in the neck dissection in the some of our cases without any adverse effect on the viability of the flap, indicating that it may not be the facial artery but is more probably the rich subdermal plexus that supplies the skin flap [11]. The fact that this flap withstands radiotherapy signifies its excellent vascularity.

The disadvantage of this method of reconstruction is the need for a second-stage procedure in some of the cases, where a buccal tunnel is used for insetting the flap or a second-stage commissural correction is required. These procedures are minor and so can be done under local anaesthesia.

There may be other problems, such as cheek biting or a bulky base of the flap passing over the alveolus, causing problems in those wearing dentures, especially when the flap is used to repair alveolar defects (Figure 2). Dental implants may provide a good solution to this problem. Possible post-reconstruction outcomes are flap necrosis due to hematoma, infection, or tension on the suture line, where further surgery may be required. Although rare, one may encounter wound complications and partial or total reconstruction failure owing to insufficient arterial flow or venous drainage [12]. Flap survival depends on the early recognition of flap compromise, such as ischemia and necrosis. Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of flap failure because smoking has deleterious effects on flap survival by aggravating hypoxemia and vasoconstriction. Hematoma may result from inadequate hemostasis and drug-induced coagulopathy, hence medications inducing coagulopathy, for example, acetylsalicylic acid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and vitamin E, should be avoided at least 2 weeks before and 1 week after surgery. Hematoma formation may reduce tissue perfusion and can lead to ischemia and necrosis by inducing vasospasm and stretching of the subdermal plexus or by separating the flap from its recipient bed [5].

Congestion is the most common problem associated with facial flaps. Venous congestion can lead to arterial compromise and flap necrosis. Infection can also complicate flap healing. The postoperative wound infection rate is 2.8% for facial surgery, with higher rates in facial reconstruction using local flaps. The use of flaps for reconstruction may interfere with the normal sensation and neurological afferent control that provides sensory guidance to speech and swallowing. Furthermore, especially in men, if a flap is taken from hair-bearing skin to reconstruct a surgical defect, then that area of tissue will continue to grow hair. This can be prevented by outlining the flap. It can also be seen that postoperative radiotherapy may decrease the growth of hair and ultimately lead to mucosalization of the flaps. There may also be a pincushioning effect around the nasolabial folds, which could be avoided by using a rhomboid design [13]. An ipsilateral nasolabial flap can cover small defects up to 2 cm but if a larger defect of size approximately 5 × 5cm or more is to be reconstructed, a bilateral nasolabial flap can be utilized successfully.

The nasolabial flap is versatile for covering or reconstructing small or medium-sized defects of the oral cavity in selected patients. However, this type of reconstruction is not particularly suitable when teeth are present in the area to be reconstructed and biting on the pedicle may even damage the skin. As even small defects require reconstruction, the nasolabial flap has proven to be a useful and reliable alternative without causing much morbidity to the donor site.