Karapandzic Flap: A Useful Option for Reconstruction of Lower Lip

Abstract

Lip carcinoma is a common cancer of the head and neck region and it more commonly affects the lower lip (>90%). Out of all the carcinomas affecting the lower lip, squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 95% of the patients. Reconstruction of lower lip is a challenging task, as it requires taking into consideration the restoration of function as well as aesthetics. In this study, a patient for whom successful reconstruction of lower lip defect was done using the Karapandzic flap was presented.

Functional and Aesthetic Lower Lip Reconstruction Using the Yotsuyanagy Flap

“…The lips play an important role from a functional and aesthetic point of view 7 ; abnormalities in this area have an impact on the patient's quality life. Lower lip defects can be the result of resection of benign or malignant tumors (where SCC is the most common, which it was diagnosed in all patients of this case series) 8,11,18,25 . Other causes are burns, trauma, vascular abnormalities, and congenital malformations 11,15 …”

“…Lower lip defects can be the result of resection of benign or malignant tumors (where SCC is the most common, which it was diagnosed in all patients of this case series). 8,11,18,25 Other causes are burns, trauma, vascular abnormalities, and congenital malformations. 11,15 The optimal treatment must fulfill the following conditions: (1) the intervention must be early, for this reason, immediate reconstruction was performed in all reported cases; (2) the reconstruction must be functional, reproducing the anatomy that allows proper lip function;…”

“…(3) the donor site used must be from a similar tissue; and (4) the surgical technique should be simple and easy to reproduce. 8,26 The factors to take into account for planning and choosing the reconstructive method are pathology and length of the tumor, type of resection, quality of the underlying tissue, age, and general health status of the patient. 26 Local flaps are considered the main option for lip reconstruction 16,19 ; they offer better aesthetic and functional compared with free flaps.…”

“…The lower lip is an anatomical region formed by different types of tissue, and it is essential to obtain adequate functional and aesthetic results. [4][5][6][7][8] The goals of treatment are to restore normal lip anatomy, as well as oral movement and competence (maintaining maximum oral opening and sensitivity), to provide skin and mucosa coverage, to preserve lip dimension and prevent dental exposure allowing the use of dental prostheses, and, finally, to offer optimal aesthetic results always aiming for minimal sequelae. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] To achieve those goals, a proper evaluation of the defect is mandatory; this evaluation must include size, location, depth, impaired function, and which anatomical subunits are involved.…”

“…Lower lip defects are a major challenge from a reconstructive perspective. The lower lip is an anatomical region formed by different types of tissue, and it is essential to obtain adequate functional and aesthetic results 4–8 . The goals of treatment are to restore normal lip anatomy, as well as oral movement and competence (maintaining maximum oral opening and sensitivity), to provide skin and mucosa coverage, to preserve lip dimension and prevent dental exposure allowing the use of dental prostheses, and, finally, to offer optimal aesthetic results always aiming for minimal sequelae 9–15 .…”