Nasolabial flap reconstruction of oral cavity defects: a report of 18 cases.

PURPOSE This article describes the successful use of pedicled nasolabial flaps in the reconstruction of various oral cavity defects with or without adjunctive microvascular free tissue transfer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-eight flaps were performed in 18 patients, for a variety of oral cavity defects. RESULTS All flaps healed without evidence of necrosis, infection, or dehiscence. Patient satisfaction with this procedure was high. The use of the nasolabial flap appears to provide an improvement in overall functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS The inferiorly based nasolabial flap provides reliable coverage of intermediate-sized oral cavity defects when used alone. It can improve mastication and speech when used in conjunction with microvascular free tissue transfer for the reconstruction of large combined defects of the tongue and floor of mouth.