How to do a single-stage perforator based nasolabial flap for reconstruction of early-stage tongue cancer.

Tongue cancers are one of the most common subsites of malignancy in the head and neck, of which the majority are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Reconstruction following ablative surgery is challenging because of the role of the tongue in articulation, deglutition and protection of the airway. Microvascular free flaps are the current gold standard of reconstruction but are not feasible in all patients. Local and regional flaps provide a less challenging, faster alternative and may be more appropriate in comorbid patients with high anaesthetic risk as well as those with previously irradiated neck and poor vasculature. Nasolabial flaps are not commonly used for tongue reconstruction, requiring a two-staged procedure to allow division of the pedicle. We submit a modification of nasolabial flap as an inferiorly based, islanded perforator flap. This allows for single-stage reconstruction of tongue and floor of the mouth defects following resection of early-stage tongue cancers.

One stop neck lump clinic: a boon for quick diagnosis and early management.

INTRODUCTION: One-stop neck lump clinics (OSNLC) are gaining popularity worldwide especially in the UK hospitals following NICE recommendation. The main aim of this speciality clinic is a quick diagnosis and early management while simultaneously improving patient experience. OBJECTIVES: To analyse and compare the efficacy of OSNLC and general ENT/Head and neck clinic with specifics to a number of appointments required for formulating management plan and a number of 'one stop' visits. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study SETTING: Regional Head and Neck Cancer Center (Secondary care hospital) PARTICIPANTS: Patients referred by General practitioner with symptoms of a neck lump MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients seen in general ENT/Head and neck and OSNLC in 2 phases to understand the difference in a number of appointments, one-stop visits, the requirement of Ultrasound and efficiency of Fine needle aspiration. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Improved efficacy of OSNLC was noted as patients seen in the clinic required a lesser number of appointments, reached a faster diagnosis and management plan when compared to patients seen in general ENT clinic.