Assessment of the contralateral facial artery pedicle nasolabial island flap for buccal defect repair

Abstract

The facial artery pedicle nasolabial island flap (FAPNIF) is widely used for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction. However, its use in reconstruction after malignant tumour resection is limited by the possibility of ipsilateral cervical lymph node metastasis along the facial artery. Through fine dissection, it was found that the contralateral FAPNIF can be used to repair the defect after buccal carcinoma resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the contralateral FAPNIF for buccal defect repair. From 2013 to 2016, 30 patients underwent the repair of a buccal defect with a contralateral FAPNIF after tumour resection. Clinical outcomes and complications were recorded and quality of life was evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperative. The flaps survived in all 30 cases. Mean mouth opening was 2.50 ± 0.14 cm at 1 month, 3.22 ± 0.25 cm at 6 months, and 3.35 ± 0.23 cm at 12 months postoperative. With regard to patient quality of life, adverse effects included impaired aesthetics, pain, and difficulty eating; these usually subsided within 1 year after surgery. The contralateral FAPNIF is easily harvested and is a safe and effective option for the repair of medium-sized buccal defects after the resection of carcinoma.