V-shaped Folded Nasolabial Flap in the Repair of the Anterior Buccal Mucosal Defect

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of V-shaped folded nasolabial flap in the repair of small-sized and medium-sized defects of the anterior buccal mucosa. Methods: From March 2019 to December 2021, 9 cases of male patients with anterior buccal mucosal lesions were enrolled in this study. After the lesions were completely excised, the mucosa and part of the buccal mucosal defect were left. A transverse V-shaped folded nasolabial flap was created with the pedicle located at the corner of the mouth and the long axis along the nasolabial fold. The lower part was lifted from the end to the pedicle. Next, from the level of the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system, the upper and lower parts were lifted from the end to the pedicle, and the V-shaped flap was folded and turned over through the buccal tunnel to repair the mucosal defect. The extraoral donor site was directly pulled and sutured. Results: The nasolabial flap survived in 9 patients, and the wounds inside and outside the mouth healed at stage I. The postoperative follow-up time was 4 to 32 months, and the patients had no recurrence, with symmetrical buccal shape, and no traction and deformation in the affected buccal organs. In addition, the linear scar had no obvious hyperplasia and was hidden in the affected nasolabial folds, without symptoms of buccal nerve injury, and the shape of the corner of the mouth was normal. The width and opening degree of oral fissure were not significantly reduced compared with those before operation. Meanwhile, the intraoral flap was thin and flat, and healed well with the surrounding mucosa, without obvious flap contracture, buccal bite, or incomplete closure. Conclusion: Overall, V-shaped folded nasolabial flap has the advantages of flexible design, simple preparation, reliable blood supply, and protection of the donor site, which may be one of the effective methods for repairing small-sized and medium-sized defects in the anterior buccal mucosa.