Multi-Island Free Radial Forearm Flap for Reconstruction of The Nasal Lining

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Total nose reconstruction has reached a level of spectacular development (1, 2, 3, 4), particularly with the clinical examples demonstrated by Walton and Burget. Nasal lining is a most important step prior to the placement of the cartilaginous framework and the overlying skin. The multi-island free radial forearm flap demonstrated here provides the nasal lining quite well. Obviously, it requires a considerable amount of planning.

The first stage for reconstruction of total and subtotal nasal defects is the microsurgical transfer and restoration of the nasal lining and adjacent cheek and upper lip elements, using a multi-island free radial forearm flap. Two months following microsurgical transfer of the nasal lining flap, nasal reconstruction proceeds with application of a cartilage framework and a paramedian forehead flap.

FIGURE 71.1 Preoperative frontal view of subtotal nasal defect showing composite loss of nasal tip, columella, alae, anterior septum, and vestibular lining.

FLAP DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS

Preoperatively, an Allen test is performed to ensure adequate hand perfusion via the ulnar vascular pedicle. The nasal site is dissected first, with excision of the remnant scar and any skin grafts, to recreate the original defect (Fig. 71.4). Templates of the missing vestibular and adjacent lip and cheek defects are made of foil from surgical suture packets and then transferred to the forearm, where they are aligned to the radial vascular pedicle as separate islands. The radial side of the flaps is positioned to overlap the vascular pedicle by no more than 5 mm, so as to place the pedicle out of harm’s way during subsequent procedures. For the vestibular lining element, we have found it helpful to orient the vascular pedicle at the cephalic edge, so as to allow unsullied access to the nasal tip and vestibule for placement of the supporting cartilage grafts and for sculpting (Fig. 71.5).