[Reconstruction of the anterior floor of the mouth with nasolabial flaps. Report of 10 years' experience]

Schweiz Monatsschr Zahnmed. 2002;112(5):463-6.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse, with particular consideration to functional aspects, the results of treatment following the reconstruction of intraoral soft tissue using a pedicled nasolabial flap. Over a period of 10 years (1.1.1990-31.12.1999) the intraoral repair of the defect was carried out in 20 patients in the region of the anterior floor of the mouth, using a unilateral nasolabial flap in 13 cases and a bilateral nasolabial flap in 7 cases. The reasons for the defects were resection of squamous cell carcinomas (T1-T2) of the intraoral mucosa in 19 cases and osteoradionecrosis with soft tissue defect in one case. Local wound healing disturbance was observed in two cases. In 18 patients the prosthetic rehabilitation was successful and allowed a return to masticatory function. In another three cases a secondary operation for flap remodelling was needed. In one case three ITI-Implants were inserted between the foramina 12 months following the placement of the flap. A magnetically retained full denture has been functioning normally for more than four years. The nasolabial flap for the replacement of soft tissue in the mouth appears to represent a functionally and aesthetically satisfactory alternative to reconstruction by microsurgery, in cases of small to medium-sized defects, especially in older, medically compromised patients with an enhanced surgical risk

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / rehabilitation*
  • Dental Implantation, Endosseous
  • Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lip / surgery
  • Male
  • Mastication
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Floor / surgery*
  • Mouth Mucosa / transplantation
  • Mouth Neoplasms / rehabilitation*
  • Nasal Mucosa / transplantation
  • Nose / surgery
  • Oral Surgical Procedures*
  • Osteoradionecrosis / rehabilitation
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures*
  • Surgical Flaps*