Reconstruction Of Large Nasal Defects With Forehead Flap A Prospective Clinical Study.
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Abstract
Background: Nasal defects resulting from tumor resection, trauma or scarring is a common problem. Reconstruction of these defects need flap coverage with good color, texture and tissue match. In large defects which cannot be reconstructed with local flaps, the forehead flap offers the best reconstructive option. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of forehead flap in nasal reconstruction.
Objectives : to evaluate the effectiveness, reliability, and aesthetic outcomes of forehead flap reconstruction for large nasal defects, focusing on flap survival, complications, donor site management, and patient satisfaction.
Study Design : A Prospective clinical study.
Place and duration of study. The study was conducted in the Plastic Surgery & Burns Unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from June 2020 to June 2021.
Methods: This study was carried out in the Plastic Surgery & Burns Unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from June 2020 to June 2021. Twenty cases of nasal reconstruction which could not be done with local flaps were included in the study. Fourteen patients were male and 6 females. Eighteen patients had skin malignancies, one had electric burns and one child had a nasal defect resulting from dog bite.
Result: The mean age of the 20 patients included in the study was 55.2 years, with a standard deviation of ±12.4 years. Of the 20 patients, 18 had skin malignancies (15 basal cell carcinoma and 3 squamous cell carcinoma), while the remaining 2 had traumatic nasal defects. The p-value for flap survival, donor site healing, and complications was calculated using a chi-square test, yielding a p-value of 0.035, indicating statistically significant results. These findings confirm the efficacy and reliability of the forehead flap for large nasal defects, with excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Conclusion: Forehead flap is a reliable, aesthetically pleasing regional flap available for nasal reconstruction.