Nasolabial flap reconstruction of an oral defect after buccal tumor resection

Abstract

　Pedicled flaps still play an important role in reconstruction because of their dependability and ease of preparation. The nasolabial flap is a reliable pedicled flap along the nasofacial groove. We report the case of a 71-year-old male patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa（T2N0M0）. The major blood supply of the nasolabial flap is derived from the facial artery. The flap was raised in the supero-inferior fashion and in the plane of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system. The nasolabial flap was used for reconstruction of the buccal defect after tumor resection. After surgery, the flap was successfully applied and the donor site was primarily closed. The patient experienced no complications and recovered without oral pain. Herein, we describe the clinical course, technique and critical points of the reconstruction.