Evaluation of patient satisfaction in the reconstruction of nasal cutaneous defects with locoregional flap

Abstract

DOI: 10.4328/ACAM.20227 Received: 2020-06-19 Accepted: 2020-07-20 Published Online: 2020-07-26 Printed: 2021-01-01 Ann Clin Anal Med 2021;12(1):104-107 Corresponding Author: Engin Başer, Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Yenisehir, Gaziler street, No:468. Konak, İzmir, Turkey. E-mail: [email protected] P: +90 232 469 69 69 / +90 532 579 45 38 F: +90 232 433 07 56 Corresponding Author ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7989-8292 Abstract Aim: Escalated incidence of skin cancer and these neoplasms has significantly increased the number of patients that require treatment worldwide. The nose is a common site for skin malignancies. Its unmatched aesthetical and functional importance makes reconstruction of defective pathologies difficult. This study evaluates patient satisfaction by retrospectively examining the long-term results of locoregional flap operation in patients with nasal dorsal BCC who developed nasal soft tissue and skin defects. Material and Methods: The records of patients who underwent nasal cutaneous defect reconstruction at our clinic due to nasal dorsal BCC between the years 2012 and 2019 were retrospectively examined. Patients who underwent locoregional flap were asked to complete the visual analog scale (VAS) evaluation questionnaire that we developed during outpatient follow-ups. Results: The study included a total of 29 patients who underwent operation due to nasal dorsum BCC, among which 16 were males (55.2%) and 13 were females (44.8%). The mean age of the patients was 66.4±10.8 (40-86) years. According to VAS scores, the mean scar appearance assessment (SAA) score was 7.10, and the mean visual expectation score (VES) was 6.89. There was a strong positive correlation between SAA and VES scores (Rho=0.849; p<0.001). Discussion: The nasal pyramid is located in the center of the face, and is largely associated with behavior and personal identity due to its prominence and location. Considering this, advances in local and regional flap reconstruction have demonstrated distinct advantages over autologous skin graft or free tissue transfer in certain situations. According to their VAS scores, it was demonstrated that patients rated scar formation after application of locoregional flap in nasal dorsal cutaneous defects as acceptable and satisfactory in terms of appearance. Based on the results of our study, the use of locoregional flaps for nasal dorsal reconstruction due to BCC along with preoperative information provides patient satisfaction and meets expectations.