Intra-oral reconstruction using the nasolabial flap.

The nasolabial flap is a versatile instrument for intra-oral reconstruction. Eleven flaps were used in nine patients, six of whom had been previously irradiated. A homolateral neck dissection was performed at the same operation in six instances. Most patients had floor of mouth cancer with excisions involving exposure of the mandible. The defect at the donor site was minimal and well tolerated by these patients, five of whom are women. There was 100% survival of the flap in 10 of the 11, there being some necrosis of the tip in one flap which was doubled on itself to reconstruct both aspects of a lip defect.