Functional rehabilitation following resection of the floor of the mouth: the nasolabial flap revisited.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to analyse the results of treatment following reconstruction of intraoral soft tissue using a nasolabial flap, with particular consideration of functional aspects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 26 patients (over a period of 10 years), the intraoral repair of the defect was carried out in the anterior floor of the mouth, 19 have received a unilateral and seven a bilateral nasolabial flap. The defects were caused by resection of squamous cell carcinomas (T1-T2) of the intraoral mucosa in 24 cases and osteoradionecrosis with soft tissue loss in two cases.

RESULTS

Complications of local wound healing were observed in three cases. In 23 patients the subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation was successful and allowed a return of masticatory function. In the other three cases, a secondary operation for flap remodelling would have been preferred, but the patients declined these operations.

CONCLUSION

The nasolabial flap for replacement of soft tissue in the floor of the mouth represents a functional and aesthetically satisfactory alternative to reconstruction by microsurgically anastomosed flaps in cases with defects of up to 5 x 5 cm in size, especially in older, medically compromised patients who are therefore of poorer surgical risk.