Review of Nasolabial Island Flap as a Useful Option for Reconstruction of Intraoral Defects in Patients with Buccal Mucosa Carcinoma

Abstract

Oral carcinoma patients who have undergone tumor excision need tissue reconstruction. Literature reports of Nasolabial flaps as being one of the ways for such reconstruction. The Nasolabial Island flap surgery is known to be a simple, yet efficient method with a very reliable blood supply. Therefore, its advantage over some of the routine conventional techniques needs to be highlighted. A search was done in PubMed and other search engines, keywords were used for collecting information about research articles which cited Nasolabial flap usage for intra oral cavity reconstructive purposes for residual defects occurring after tumor resection in patients suffering from buccal mucosa carcinoma. The type of Patient selected, their details, flap surgery procedure details, reconstructed area , donor area and the surgical outcome in the relevant articles was noted. After the surgery good functional outcome was seen especially for swallowing, talking and tongue movement and reported in all articles. Patients were reported to be satisfied with the cosmetic appearance postoperatively. Nasolabial Island flap provides a practical and feasible option for buccal mucosa defects if they are smaller or moderate in size in early stages of cancers of the oral cavity. Nasolabial flap approach has been used since long in literature for repairing mucosal defects. Now with advances made in microsurgery, this technique has been modified into various types to cover a wide range of defects especially mild and moderate defects. Being relatively easier ,associated with fewer complications ,less time consuming ,it can be recommended for comorbid patients of buccal mucosa malignancy in the early stage who are unable to undergo long duration complex surgeries. It is also suitable for economically backward population of India as it is less costly.