Utilization of nasolabial flap for reconstruction of oral cavity defects

Objective of this study was to highlight the utilization of nasolabial flap for reconstruction of oral cavity defects. The study revealed the results of 21 nasolabial flaps in 14 patients over the period of two and a half year. The patients presented at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore from November 2009 to November 2011 and at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore from May 2012 to October 2012. In 08[57.14%] patients the defects were secondary to Oral Submucous Fibrosis of buccal mucosae; 03[21.43%] patients were with biopsy proven Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the oral cavity and in 02[14.28%] patients flap was used to cover the post traumatic oro-antral defects secondary to firearm and machine injuries to the maxilla. One patient [7.14%] had the defect after resection of the cystic lesion of the maxilla. Uneventful flap healing was observed in 20[95.24%] and partial flap loss occurred in only 01[4.76%]. It was concluded that the nasolabial flap is a reliable and minimally traumatic local flap for reconstruction of small-to-medium sized oral cavity defects with predictable functional and good aesthetic results

Etiology, pattern and management of maxillofacial fractures in patients seen at mayo hospital, Lahore - Pakistan

The objective of the study was to determine the varying etiology, pattern and mode of treatment of maxillofacial injuries in a tertiary care centre, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. This was a retrospective study spread over two years and six months i.e. January 2010 to June 2012. 214 consecutive indoor/ outdoor and emergency patients with maxillofacial injuries farmed the study group. Data concerning the patients' demographics, aetiology, occupation, socioeconomic status and pattern of maxillofacial injuries were obtained and analysed. The most frequent bone fractured was the mandible, which accounted for 106 cases 49.5%, followed by 15.4% of pan facial [full house] fractures and 15.4% of Zygomatic complex fracture. The associated mid face fractures were found in 12.6% and isolated nasal bone fractures were found in 1.5% cases. The most common cause of injury was RTA 58.4%, followed by falls 24%, FAIs 6.1%, interpersonal violences 2.8%, sports and other injuries were 8.4%. Employees 49.5% and students 31.3% in age groups 20-40 years were mostly affected by RTA, while falls 14.4% were more common in age group less than 20 years. Open reduction and internal fixation alone 43.9%, maxillomandibular fixation +/- suspension 38.8% and open reduction and internal fixation with maxillomandibular fixation 14.5% were the main mode of treatment in this centre. In this study, mandible was the most commonly fractured facial bone; RTA especially by motorbike and chigchi rikshaw was the most common etiological factor. Results could be influenced by the personal and working environment

Massive leiomyosarcoma of the maxilla

Leiomyosarcoma is a malignant smooth-muscle tumour that is exceedingly rare in the head and neck region. Presenting signs and symptoms of leiomyosarcoma in the orofacial region are generally nonspecific. The tumour is commonly encountered as a slow growing, discreet firm, and non-ulcerated painless mass. We presented a case of massive leiomyosarcoma of the midface which might be the first leiomyosarcoma of midface reported in Pakistan so far to our knowledge. We also discuss the diagnosis and treatment of leiomyosarcoma in this aspect. Keyword: Leiomyosarcoma, tumour, malignant, orofacial