ABSTRACT
Background: Acquired defects of the lips are quite a heterogeneous group of defects; posing diverse challenges to the reconstructive surgeon. Recent reports have advocated primary closure in this environment. Aim: To highlight the pattern of presentation and management of acquired lip defects in Imo State University Teaching Hospital.Method: The case records of patients with acquired defects of the lip in a 12 - month period (March 2007 to February 2008) were reviewed. Information on biodata; clinical presentation; treatment; complications and outcome were extracted from the case notes. The extent of lip loss was given as a percentage of the inter-commissural length of the involved lip. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Ten patients with acquired lip defects were treated in the period under review. There were 5 males and 5 females ( M:F= 1:1). They were all adults. Four (4) had upper lip defects while 6 had lower lip defects. The commonest cause was human bite; followed by tumour resection. The commonest procedure for the upper lip defects was bilateral cheek advancement with a central Abbe flap; while for the lower lip; it was wedge excision and lateral lip advancement. All defects were repaired primarily. Results were satisfactory. Conclusion: Human bite and tumour excision are major causes of acquired lip defects in our centre. Primary reconstruction gives good results