Unilateral subcutaneous pedicled nasolabial island flap for anterior mouth floor reconstruction

Purpose: This article describes the succesful use of unilateral subcutaneous pedicled flaps in the reconstruction of defects of the anterior floor of the mouth by raising the flaps as skin islands, relying on a pedicle of subcutaneous tissue. Patients and Methods: Nine flap procedures were performed on 9 patients for reconstruction of small defects of the anterior floor of the mouth. One patient underwent secondary reconstruction to release tongue that was functionally tethered anteriorly. Results: All flaps healed without evidence of infection, dehiscence, or necrosis. This particular choice of unilateral flap seems to provide improved functional integrity of the anterior floor of the mouth. Conclusions: The unilateral inferiorly and subcutaneously based nasolabial island flap provides reliable coverage of small and intermediate-sized defects of the anterior floor of the mouth when used alone, improving the tongue mobility, articulation, and deglutition. (C) 2003 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.