Reconstruction of moderate sized intra-oral defects using the nasolabial flap

The nasolabial flap was used in 11 patients for reconstruction of moderate sized intra-oral defects. There was minimal morbidity of donor and recipient sites in terms of function and cosmesis. The flap was easily harvested, with a reduction in operating time. The superb vascularity and reliability of the flap was demonstrated by the fact that it was possible to use this flap even after a radical neck dissection had been performed on the same side or after radiotherapy. This article describes the authors' experience with the use of the subcutaneously-pedicled, inferiorly-based, double-staged nasolabial flap for intra-oral reconstruction.