The Efficacy of Nasolabial Flap as a Reconstruction Modality in the Surgical Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

This study evaluated the effectiveness of using an inferiorly based nasolabial flap for reconstructing oral cavity defects after fibrotomy in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Ten patients with OSMF and mouth openings less than 10 mm were included. Over a 6-month period, the study found no complications such as flap necrosis, loss, infection, or obstructive sialadenitis. However, 7 patients experienced intra-oral hair growth, all had extra-oral scars at the donor site, and 1 developed a salivary fistula, which was later repaired. The mean increase in mouth opening was 31.5 mm, achieving a mean of 37 mm at 6 months post-operation with no relapse observed. The study concluded that the nasolabial flap is an effective and reliable method for oral cavity reconstruction in OSMF patients.