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Full-thickness labial flaps to reconstruct facial defects in four dogs
1Department of Surgery, Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
Veterinary Surgery : VS
|January 21, 2021
Summary
The upper lip can be used to reconstruct canine external nose defects and large facial injuries. Techniques like the labial transposition flap and lip-to-lid flap offer successful reconstruction options.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Canine Oncology
Background:
- Facial defects in dogs can compromise nasal cavity function.
- Reconstruction of the external nose and facial defects presents surgical challenges.
Observation:
- A short case series evaluated reconstructive techniques for major facial defects in four dogs.
- Defects included nasal cavity exposure following mast cell tumor resection and other traumatic injuries.
Findings:
- A variation of the lip-to-lid technique successfully reconstructed half of the external nose in one dog.
- Full-thickness upper labial transposition flaps were used to repair nasal defects in three dogs.
- A cylindrical mucosal graft aided nostril patency restoration in one case.
Implications:
- Upper lip composite flaps are a viable option for reconstructing extensive external nose defects and facial injuries in dogs.
- These techniques can effectively close nasocutaneous fistulas and restore nasal function.
- The rich mucosal supply of the upper lip is beneficial for correcting stenotic or obstructed nares.
