Studies On The Complications Of The Donor Site After Reconstruction Of The Oral And Maxillofacial Soft Tissue Defects With Nasolabial Flap

Objective: To investigate the donor site complications after reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects with nasolabial flap.Methods: 33 patients were recruited from 2006.11-2016.10 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology,Ninth People's Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.All the patients underwent the reconstruction with nasolabial flap due to soft tissue defects after the resection of mass of head and neck region.All the medical records were reviewed,including gender,age,general condition,pathology,operation duration,intra-operative bleeding and length of stay.Then,University of Washington quality of life questionnaires were given to 22 patients.Finally,the sensation of the ipsilateral cheek,mouth opening and oral commissure symmetry were measured in 10 patients.The follow-up period of 29 patients ranged from 5-105 months with an average of 31 months.Results: All the 37 flaps of 33 patients survived completely.36 flaps survived from primary healing.Only 1 flap had a delayed healing after intraoral dressing change.Patients undergoing reconstruction with nasolabial flap had less intra-operative bleeding and shorter length of stay than those with ALTF,RFFF and PMMF reconstructions.Patients were satisfied with the appearance and functional recovery post-operatively.3patients showed sensual reduction of donor sites and 2 patients hadmildly and moderately limited mouth opening within 6 months post-operatively,respectively.All of the 10 patients received complete recovery of sensitivity of donor site,mouth opening and oral commissure symmetry expect 1 patient still with a mildly limited mouth opening 6months after operation.Conclusion: Nasolabial flap is an acceptable technique for reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects.It can provide a satisfactory appearance and functional recovery with minimum sacrifice.Moreover,nasolabial flaps possess the advantages of easily harvesting,safety,shortening the operation time and length of stay and decreasing the intra-operative bleeding.Hence,it is also an ideal alternative for the patients with poor general condition and advanced age who can not endure prolonged operations.