Complications in the use of bilateral inferiorly based nasolabial flaps for advanced oral submucous fibrosis

Surgical management of advanced oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) using bilateral inferiorly based nasolabial flaps is becoming increasingly popular. However no comprehensive analysis of delayed complications using this technique is available in the literature. The authors have conducted a retrospective study to examine the delayed complications of bilateral inferiorly based nasolabial flaps used in advanced oral submucous fibrosis at their institute along with a detailed review of literature on the subject. Thirty-two patients from January 2004 to December 2015 with OSMF and an interincisal distance less than 15 mm were included. All patients were treated with bilateral inferiorly based nasolabial flaps for correction of the restricted mouth opening. All patients had postoperative physiotherapy and were followed up for a minimum period of 6 months. All complaints of patients during the follow up phase were included in this study. In this series, complications such as partial necrosis, intra-oral hair growth, unacceptable extra-oral scar, wound dehiscence, orocutaneous fistula, and pincushioning effect were observed. Numerous complications can occur with the use of nasolabial flaps for the management of advanced oral submucous fibrosis. Although most complications are of inconsequential nature the surgeon must observe due diligence when using this flap.