Versatility of the Inferiorly Based Nasolabial Flap for Reconstruction in Early Oral Cancer Patients: Our Experience in a Tertiary Cancer Centre

The study evaluated the effectiveness of the inferiorly based nasolabial flap (NLF) for reconstructing soft tissue defects in 28 patients with early-stage oral cancer. The NLF was used for various oral cavity areas, showing good cosmetic and functional outcomes with no recurrences. Although the flap was viable in all cases, some patients experienced minor complications such as post-operative trismus, wound contracture, ectropion, infection, and wound dehiscence. Intraoral hair growth was a common issue among male patients. The study concluded that with careful flap design, surgical technique, and post-operative care, the NLF is a reliable and versatile option for reconstructing small to intermediate oral cavity defects after tumor ablation.