Transposition nasolabial flap: A versatile flap for sensate reconstruction of lip defects.

Abstract

Lip reconstruction aims at maintaining the function and aesthetics of the facial subunits. Sensation in the reconstructed lip helps in bolus formation, tactile discrimination, and thermal sensation. In this study, we aim to describe random pattern nasolabial flap for lip reconstruction using various functional parameters. This is a retrospective study of 22 patients with carcinoma lip who underwent surgical resection and reconstruction with sensate nasolabial flap. Several clinicopathological parameters were studied. Outcome parameters like oral competence, tactile sensation, thermal sensitivity of reconstructed lip and speech outcomes were evaluated. A functional outcome with 2-4 mm of two-point discrimination was obtained in 19 patients. All patients had intelligible speech. A mean sulcus depth of 19.59 mm was achieved. One patient had partial flap loss owing to wound infection. Random pattern senate nasolabial flap offers a good functional outcome by maintaining the tactile and thermal sensitivity.