Complete lower lip reconstruction with in-folded extended pedicled deltopectoral flap: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

The reconstruction of extensive lower lip defects is challenging. Various options have been described for reconstructing limited extent of full thickness defects of the lower lip; however, the reconstructive options get narrower as the defect approaches 100%. Local flaps play the prominent roles in smaller defects but regional and distant flaps become the preferred choices in total and near total defects. We present the use of an in-folded extended pedicled deltopectoral flap for the reconstruction of complete lower lip defect. A 58-year-old woman presented with complete lower lip defect following failed local flaps previously employed to reconstruct the lower lip after excision of squamous cell carcinoma at another facility. She had extensive perioral scaring with complete exposure of the lower dentition. She had scar excision and two staged lower lip reconstruction with in-folded extended deltopectoral flap with satisfactory outcome. We report the successful restoration of oral competence and satisfactory esthetic outcome with the use of a simple deltopectoral flap for complete lower lip defect.