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Office-Based Forehead Flaps: A Safe and Reliable Reconstructive Option
Maureen Beederman1, Jennifer Jaffe2, Kristine Kuchta3
1From the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|February 8, 2021
Summary
Forehead flap nasal reconstruction can be safely performed in an office setting using local anesthesia, offering comparable results to operating room procedures. This approach is suitable for older patients with comorbidities, reducing anesthetic risks.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Forehead flaps are crucial for nasal reconstruction, particularly for extensive defects.
- Older patients with comorbidities often undergo these procedures, posing anesthetic risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the safety and success of forehead flap nasal reconstruction in two settings: office-based (local anesthesia) versus operating room (general/IV sedation).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 96 forehead flap reconstructions (2011-2018).
- Analysis of patient demographics, operative details, and postoperative complications.
- Exclusion of cases with concurrent unrelated cosmetic procedures.
Main Results:
- 36.5% of flaps (35/96) were performed in an office setting under local anesthesia.
- No significant difference in complication rates between office-based (8.6%) and operating room (16.4%) settings.
- Average patient age was 71.9 years, with no significant difference in time between flap stages.
Conclusions:
- Forehead flap reconstruction is safe and effective in an office-based, local anesthesia setting.
- This approach provides acceptable postoperative results for nasal reconstruction.
