Seven reconstructions of the orbital and periorbital region with a contralateral orbitonasolabial flap

Abstract

Blasius designed the first orbitonasolabial flap in 1842, which has since, been reshaped by many other surgeons.

Three years ago, we were confronted with a difficult reconstructive case where ipsilateral local flaps were insufficient to cover a huge defect of the periorbital region. We performed 11 cadaver dissections to determine the type of vascularisation of the orbitonasolabial flap and to define its arc of rotation prior to contralateral use. This contralateral orbitonasolabial flap was subsequently applied to seven cases with satisfactory results.