DOUBLE OPPOSING RHOMBOIDAL FLAP FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF LARGE SURGICAL DEFECT OF THE LABIAL COMMISSURE

Abstract

The lips, as moving structures of the face, are cosmetically and functionally important areas. Closure of surgical defects involving the oral commissures is particularly challenging, due to the high risk of local anatomy disruption and functional or esthetical compromise. We describe the case of a 69-year old patient who was observed with a large basal cell carcinoma of the right perioral region, extending to the right oral commissure. This lesion was radically excised, and the resulting surgical defect was closed using a homolateral double opposing rhomboidal flap. Post-operatory complications were not reported and the final result was esthetically very satisfactory, with preservation of lip function. Double opposing rhomboidal flaps are viable options for reconstructing defects involving the oral com- missures – in these simple procedures, donor skin is obtained from the nearby cheek and mandibular areas, allowing the preservation of the lip structure and function under a low risk of surgical complications.

KEYWORDS – Surgical Flaps; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; Lip Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Basal Cell.