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Inferiorly based nasolabial flap for reconstruction of the moderate to large defects of lips following cancer resection

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European Journal of Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Reconstruction of the lip defects following wide excision of the squamous cell cancer is challenging for the surgeon. Our aim was to define the role of the inferiorly based nasolabial flap for lip reconstruction in such cases with moderate to large size defects.

Methods

Lip defects were reconstructed with a unilateral or bilateral subcutaneous nasolabial flaps depending on the size of the defect following wide resection of their lip cancers.

Results

All the defects were reconstructed in a single stage. We achieved good lip seal and at least good function in eating and speaking. There was no entropion of the lip, and all the reconstructed lips preserved their height.

Conclusion

Simplicity of dissection, robust blood supply, best color match, short procedure time, and minimal donor site morbidity reinforce this flap as a useful adjunct in lip reconstruction.

Level of Evidence: IV, therapeutic study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Apollo Cancer Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, 500096, India

    Arsheed Hussain Hakeem

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Missouri, USA

    Imtiyaz Hussain Hakeem

  3. Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, 500096, India

    Fozia Jeelani Wani

Authors
  1. Arsheed Hussain Hakeem
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  2. Imtiyaz Hussain Hakeem
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  3. Fozia Jeelani Wani
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Arsheed Hussain Hakeem.

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Conflict of Interest

Author Arsheed Hussain Hakeem, Imtiyaz Hussain Hakeem, and Fozia Jeelani Wani declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical Standards

For this type of retrospective study formal consent from a local ethics committee is not required.

Patient Consent

All patients gave their informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study. Additional consent was obtained for the use of their images.

Funding

There was no external funding for the study.

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Hakeem, A.H., Hakeem, I.H. & Wani, F.J. Inferiorly based nasolabial flap for reconstruction of the moderate to large defects of lips following cancer resection. Eur J Plast Surg 39, 187–192 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-015-1162-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-015-1162-6

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