BILOBED FLAP IN FACIAL RECONSTRUCTION.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• The bilobed flap, first described in 1918, has been utilized for various reconstructions, including facial defects.
• Its application has been expanded to challenging areas like the suborbital region.
• The flap's design is adaptable for diverse and atypical facial reconstructions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the bilobed flap in reconstructing facial defects.
• To analyze patient demographics, defect types, and complication rates.
• To assess the functional and aesthetic outcomes of bilobed flap reconstructions.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 203 bilobed flap reconstructions performed on 199 patients.
• Data collected from January 2007 to December 2016 at St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno.
• Analysis included patient age, gender, defect location, etiology, and complications.

Main Results:

• The study included 199 patients (101 men, 98 women) aged 39-98 years (mean 76).
• Most defects (89.7%) resulted from malignant tumor excision (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
• Complications occurred in 20.2% of cases, with flap abundance being the most common (4.9%). Favorable aesthetic and functional results were observed.

Conclusions:

• The bilobed flap is a valuable option for extensive facial defect reconstruction.
• It provides excellent texture and color preservation compared to other methods.
• Minimal donor site morbidity further supports its consideration in reconstructive surgery.