[Our experience in nasal reconstruction with local nasal and regional flaps]

In this study, we evaluated the patients, who underwent nasal reconstruction with local nasal or regional flaps and compared our approach with the algorithms of nasal reconstruction in literature.

Twenty-seven patients (15 males, 12 females; mean age 68.7 years; range 42 to 86 years) who underwent nasal reconstruction with local nasal or regional flaps due to excision of skin cancers on the nose, between November 2007 and December 2009 were included in this study. The demographic data (age, sex and occupation), the location, histopathologic type, subtype and size of the tumor, the size and thickness of the defect area, the reconstruction technique and complications were recorded. All patients were photo-documented pre-, intra- and postoperatively, and were followed up at regular intervals.

Basal cell carcinoma was detected in 23 patients and squamous cell carcinoma was detected in four patients. The tumors were most frequently located on the nasal dorsum (n=8, 29%) and the side walls (n=6, 22%). The tumor size was >15 mm in 14 (52%) patients. The size of the nasal defect was >20 mm in 18 (66%) patients. Reconstruction was performed with local nasal flaps in 10 patients and with regional flaps in 17 patients.

The surgical flaps for nasal reconstruction should be selected individually. The ideal technique of nasal reconstruction should be determined based on the location, size, and thickness of the nasal defects, the preferences of the patients and the surgeon's experience.