Reconstructing Upper Lip Defects After Basal Cell Carcinoma
Author Information
Author(s): Nguyen Dinh T. MD, Oki Koichiro MD, PhD, Hyakusoku Hiko MD, PhD, Ogawa Rei MD, PhD
Primary Institution: Nippon Medical School Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
Hypothesis
Can a skin-mucosa double opposing V-Y advancement flap effectively reconstruct upper lip defects caused by basal cell carcinoma?
Conclusion
The skin-mucosa double opposing V-Y advancement flap provides excellent aesthetic and functional results for upper lip reconstruction.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient showed well-healed flaps with excellent aesthetic and functional results six months post-operation.
- No tumor recurrence was noted during the 3-year follow-up.
- The technique preserves lip sensation and function, which is important for eating and speaking.
Takeaway
Doctors can fix big cuts on the upper lip from skin cancer using a special flap technique that helps the lip look and work like it did before.
Methodology
A 54-year-old woman with a 2.5-cm basal cell carcinoma underwent tumor removal followed by reconstruction using two parallel V-Y flaps.
Limitations
The study is based on a small data set, limiting broader conclusions.
Participant Demographics
One 54-year-old female patient.
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