Extended Karapandzic flaps for XXXX .

@entity1 @entity3306 @entity8556 @entity1410 @entity292 @entity531
BACKGROUND: Karapandzic flaps consist of well-vascularized, sensate lip tissue but are generally restricted to reconstruction of defects comprising two-thirds of the lip or less to avoid @entity8556 . Reconstruction of larger defects usually involves advancement flaps that require significant cheek laxity or free tissue transfer. METHODS: The authors describe a modification of the Karapandzic lower lip reconstruction technique in which the flaps are extended by recruiting tissue from the perioral cheek, allowing reconstruction of @entity3306 , which would normally not be reconstructible using the standard technique. @entity531 are carefully dissected and preserved to ensure innervation and perfusion. RESULTS: Eight @entity1 underwent successful single-stage lower lip reconstruction with this technique. In three cases, bilateral extended Karapandzic flaps were used for total lower @entity3306 , and in five additional cases, unilateral extended Karapandzic flaps were combined with other local flaps for near-total defects. All @entity1 achieved oral competence and normal or near-normal mouth opening. One @entity1 developed a @entity1410 and one @entity1 developed a @entity292 that healed with conservative treatment. There were no other complications. CONCLUSIONS: Extended Karapandzic flaps can be used to reconstruct near-total or total lower @entity3306 with innervated, well-vascularized tissues that recreate the oral sphincter and restore oral competence. By extending conventional Karapandzic flaps with perioral cheek tissue, adequate length is gained to avoid @entity8556 . In addition, the color match of the reconstructed lip is superior to reconstructions relying on tissue transfer from distant sites.
