Forked Paramedian forehead flap combined with nasolabial flap for pre-radiation coverage of exposed maxilla in the...

Total rhinectomy is ontologically necessary for large and locally invasive carcinomas of the nasal cavity owing to the complex three-dimensional structure of the nose. Reconstruction options include singular or combined options of local tissue rearrangement, free flap reconstruction, and prosthetic reconstruction which may be delayed in the setting of post-ablative radiation therapy. If significant bony exposure is present prior to radiation, there is a substantial risk of osteoradionecrosis and the ensuing sequalae. In these cases, coverage of the bony defect may be advantageous prior to radiation and final reconstructive treatment. We present a case of a total rhinectomy defect for squamous cell carcinoma in a patient who had significant bony exposure prior to radiation which was resurfaced with a combined forked paramedian flap and nasolabial flap. The patient went on to be treated with a full course of radiation and had planned for a post-treatment nasal prosthesis.