Nasolabial island flap in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis - A Clinical Study

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of nasolabial island flap in the reconstruction of oral submucous fibrosis. Patients and Methods: A total of patients with moderate to severe degree of oral submucous fibrosis were treated surgically and the reconstruction was done using bilateral nasolabial island flaps. Pre-operative, intraoperative and post-operative mouth openings were recorded and compared with the pre-operative mouth opening. Results: Pre-operative openings ranged from 8mm to 15 mm, with mean of 11 mm. After six months of post-operative follow up, patients were able to maintain mouth openings ranging from 32mm to 37mm, with mean of 35mm. Conclusion: The observations proved the versatility of nasolabial island flap and its distinct edge in maintaining the mouth opening over other treatment modalities.