Forehead Flap For Reconstruction of Orofacial Defects : A Tertiary Care Centre Experience, West Bengal, India.

Vedula Padmini Saha; Animesh Ghosh; Shivaam Kesarwaani; Somnath Saha

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2019

Forehead Flap For Reconstruction of Orofacial Defects : A Tertiary Care Centre Experience, West Bengal, India.

Vedula Padmini Saha, Animesh Ghosh, Shivaam Kesarwaani, Somnath Saha

Abstract :

Aims: 1.To evaluate efficacy of pedicle forehead flap in facial & oral cavity soft tissue reconstruction. 2. To evaluate cosmetic appearance and functional outcome after reconstruction with forehead flap. 3. To assess long term outcomes following reconstruction with forehead flap. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in R.G.Kar medical college and hospital,Kolkata(W.B). Total 23 cases with orofacial reconstruction using forehead flap April 2014 to May 2019 were retrospectively studied. Information was sourced from patient’s case notes and operating theatre register. Information retrieved included age, gender, indication for surgical reconstruction, type of forehead flap, duration of hospital stay and complications. All patients agree with this publication and use of photographs. Results: Results: A total of 23 patients were managed within the period reviewed and consisted of 17 (74%) males and 6 (26%) females. Tumor resection in 18 (78.26%) cases accounted for most defect and the nose was the commonest site of defect. Complete forehead flap was used in 15 (65.2%) of cases & rest by partial forehead . Postoperative complications was observed in 5 (21.7%) patients and consisted of failed flap in 1 (20%) patient, tumor recurrence in reconstructed site in 2 (40%) patients and infection at receipient site in 2 (40%) patients. Conclusion: Forehead flap is an axial flap which provides large areas of skin and subcutaneous tissue which may be used in a variety of ways to cover nose, cheek, neck and intraoral defects. Though an old flap, it is one of the safest cutaneous flaps available in reconstructive surgery. It provides a good colour and texture match. It is a quickly and easily raised flap with good flap survival due to good vascular supply