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Updated: Mar 30, 2026
Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
Reconstruction of Tongue Defects With the Contralateral Nasolabial Island Flap
Pajjai Nueangkhota1, Yu-jie Liang2, Guang-sen Zheng2
1Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Purpose:
Reconstruction of tongue defects after cancer resection is challenging for reconstructive surgeons. Conventional local flaps are usually compromised in patients with suspected ipsilateral neck metastasis. To extend the application of the nasolabial flap, especially in circumstances in which a free flap is unavailable, the contralateral nasolabial island flap was used, with favorable outcomes.
Patients And Methods:
Seven patients presenting with tongue carcinoma underwent surgical resection and neck dissection. Tongue defects were simultaneously reconstructed using a contralateral nasolabial island flap. Clinical outcomes, including locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis, were recorded. Subjective functional outcomes were investigated using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire.
Results:
All flaps survived without partial or complete necrosis. All patients survived without locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis during follow-up (6 months to 2 years). Functional outcomes were satisfactory, especially swallowing and speech functions. Donor-site morbidity was minimal and the scars were inconspicuously hidden in the nasolabial fold.
Conclusions:
The contralateral nasolabial island flap is technically feasible and can be an excellent option for tongue reconstruction without compromising oncologic safety.
