Full-thickness labial flaps to reconstruct facial defects in four dogs.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of the upper lip for reconstruction of the external nose and closure of large facial defects in dogs. ANIMALS: Four dogs with facial defects with exposure of the underlying nasal cavity. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. METHODS: A variation of the lip-to-lid technique was used to reconstruct one-half of the external nose after resection of a mast cell tumor in one dog. A full-thickness labial transposition flap (upper lip) was used to reconstruct facial and nasal defects exposing the nasal cavity. A cylindrical mucosal graft was employed in the restoration of nostril patency in one dog. RESULTS: The lip-to-lid variation (also known as lip-to-nose) restored the right nostril and nasal planum after mast cell tumor resection in one dog. In three dogs, the nasal defects were reconstructed with full-thickness upper labial transposition flaps. Restoration of nostril patency in one dog was also aided by the cylindrical mucosal graft. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The full-thickness labial transposition flap and the lip-to-lid flap variation were successfully used to reconstruct major defects of the external nose and facial defects involving the nasal cavity. CONCLUSION: Composite flaps of the upper lip should be considered to close problematic nasocutaneous fistulas and restore function to the external nose. The upper lip provides a source of mucosa to restore patency of stenotic nares or obstructed nostrils.