[Microvascular submental island flap prelaminated with oral mucosa in reconstruction of the lateral defect of nose].

Abstract

Reconstruction of perinasal area is still a challenge for the surgeon who is involved in excisional tumor surgery. The authors report their experience in reconstruction of hemi-nose defects with the free microvascular submental island flap prelaminated with oral mucosa. A 73-year-old male patient with recurrent extensive basal cell carcinoma of the right hemi-nose (nasal ala and lateral nasal part) and portion of the upper lip underwent to excisional surgery and creation of lateral nasal defect 3 x 2 cm in size. Six months after the first surgery the reconstruction of postoperative defect was done by means of free microvascular submental flap prelaminated with oral mucosa. After necrosis of flap 3 mm x 4 mm in size around the tip zone of the nose on the 7" postoperative days, the rest of microvascular submental flap prelaminated with oral mucosa survived completely with good cosmetic and nasal respiratory results. This flap can be used successfully in reconstruction of the hemi-nose area. Color and texture of the flap match with adjacent tissue and adequate diameter of submental vessels and reasonably long vascular pedicle enables successful microvascular anastomosis.