OUTCOME ANALYSIS OF LOCAL FLAPS RECONSTRUCTION AFTER EXCISION OF BASAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE FACE: SINGLE INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE OF FORTY CASES

Prof. B. Asokan; Dr. S. Sivakumar

Volume : VII, Issue : IV, April - 2017

OUTCOME ANALYSIS OF LOCAL FLAPS RECONSTRUCTION AFTER EXCISION OF BASAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE FACE: SINGLE INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE OF FORTY CASES

Prof. B. Asokan, Dr. S. Sivakumar

Abstract :

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. After excision of BCC on the face, the options of treatment for a skin defect are variable. Many surgeons prefer to use a local flap rather than a skin graft or free flap for small– or moderately–sized circular defects. We have evaluated the various flaps for reconstruction of skin defects after excision of BCC of the face.

Methods: All of the patients were pathologically diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), forty patients underwent various flaps like V–Y advancement flap, cheek advancement flap, forehead flap,glabellar flap,nasolabial flap repair over the period 2 yrs. between January 2014 and December 2015. We evaluated the postoperative complications in the form of flap loss either partial or complete, wound dehiscence, hematoma and wound infection. The cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction was evaluated at 6 months after surgery.

Results: There were 25men and 15women. The ages ranged from 45to 70 years with a mean age of 60 years. The tumor locations were the face in all patients. All of the flaps survived apart from only two case in which there was partial flap loss. Postoperative recovery was usually rapid.

Conclusions: In our experience, local flaps give the best results and are the first choice for reconstruction of the face. Most defects can be best closed by nasolabial, V–Y advancement and forehead flap, cheek advancement , glabellar flaps. Outstanding functional and cosmetic results can be achieved