Transposition flaps in nasal reconstruction

The caudolaterally inserted transposition flap and its variations for reconstruction of defects of the nasal ala

Closure of non-full-thickness defects of the nasal ala can be a surgical challenge. While there is a plethora of various reconstructive techniques, not all of them are easy to learn and carry out. Recently, the dermatosurgeon Andreas Lösler from the Department of Dermatology at the Hornheide Medical Center, Germany, developed and published the caudolaterally inserted transposition flap for the reconstruction of alar defects. Given its relative novelty, this technique, which is characterized by a very low complication rate, is still unknown to most dermatosurgeons and has not yet found its way into standard dermatosurgery textbooks. The present review describes the caudolaterally inserted transposition flap and two modifications thereof, which allow for the closure of large alar defects as well as defects of the alar crease. Comparisons are made to the two flaps most commonly employed for alar reconstruction, the bilobed flap and the cranially inserted nasolabial transposition flap (melolabial flap).

Nasolabial Perforator Flap for One-stage Reconstruction of Nasal Defects

Background:

The excellent freedom of movement and range of this flap when based on a the nasolabial perforator flap have not been sufficiently explored. In this study, along with demonstrating the other key advantages of this flap over its traditional counterpart, we will endeavour to fill these lacunae in the available literature.

Materials and Methods:

From February 2009 to February 2012, twenty patients with nasal defects were repaired with a nasolabial perforator flap in the Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Of these, two patients (10%) underwent the procedure bilaterally. Thus, a total of 22 nasolabial perforator flap procedures were carried out. Prospectively, collected clinical records and data of each patient were retrospectively retrieved and reviewed to study the nasal defect and surgery done.

Results:

All the twenty (100%) patients had good functional and aesthetic outcome. All patients who had nasal stenosis preoperatively had very good improvement in the patency of the nasal passages, breathing and nasal blockage with complete recovery of symptoms. The patients were entirely satisfied with the functional recovery.

Conclusions:

The reliability and versatility of the nasolabial perforator flap exceed its recognised application in reconstruction of nasal defects and it must form a part of every plastic surgeon's armamentarium.

Assessment of Patients Who Underwent Nasal Reconstruction After Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Excision

BACKGROUND

Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common malignant cutaneous lesions affecting the nose. With the rising incidence of skin cancers, plastic surgeons increasingly face nasal reconstruction challenges. Although multiple options exist, optimal results are obtained when "like is used to repair like". We aimed to introduce a simple algorithm for the reconstruction of nasal defects with local flaps, realizing that there is always more than one option for reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 163 patients who underwent nasal reconstruction after excision of non-melanoma skin cancer between March 2011 and April 2014. We analyzed the location of the defects and correlated them with the techniques used to reconstruct them.

RESULTS

There were 66 males and 97 females (age, 21-98 years). Basal cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 121 patients and squamous cell carcinoma in 42. After tumor excision, all the defects were immediately closed by either primary closure or local flap options such as Limberg, Miter, glabellar, bilobed, nasolabial, V-Y advancement, and forehead flaps.

CONCLUSIONS

Obtaining tumor-free borders and a pleasing aesthetic result are major concerns in nasal reconstruction. Defect reconstruction and cosmesis are as important as rapid recovery and quick return to normal daily activities, and these should be considered before performing any procedure, particularly in elderly patients.

Acquired defects of the nose and naso-orbitoethmoid (NOE) region

Nasal injuries coupled with midface fractures of the orbit and ethmoids constitute a nasoorbitoethmoid (NOE) fracture pattern, which is typically the most challenging facial fracture to repair. Hard and soft tissue defects of this region may require advanced reconstruction techniques, including local rotational flaps, free tissue transfer, and even prosthetics. The restoration of form and function dictates treatment, and the success of primary repair is paramount, because secondary correction is challenging in this area of the midface. Because of the complex nature of this region, this discussion is divided into hard tissue defects, with a focus on trauma, and soft tissue defects, with a focus on oncology.

The caudal-lateral inserted transposition flap in reconstructive tumor surgery on the nasal ala

The nasal region represents an important three-dimensional esthetic unit where minimal distortion will be obvious and disturbing. In this regard the reconstruction of the nasal ala in dermatologic tumor surgery may be challenging. We propose the reconstructive option of a caudal-lateral inserted transposition flap for this indication. The principle of this surgical alternative and the long-term outcome is demonstrated in representative cases. The various indications and modifications of this reconstructive principle are discussed and compared to other remodeling alternatives.