Lower Lip Reconstruction by Estlander Flap

Abstract

Introduction: Animal-induced trauma is an important public health concern. Trauma can range from simple to complex injuries, and can present as perforations, avulsions, lacerations or fractures. It has been found that dog bites are the most common among animal bites. In the patients having facial trauma, the lips are most commonly involved. Reconstruction of lower lip injuries is customised based on size of defect. Small defects (less than ⅓rd) can be closed primarily.But for larger defects,local tissue flaps like Abbe-Estlander,Karapandzic,Webster-Bernard have to be done.

Methods: In this study, we hereby analyse the efficacy of  the Estlander flap in patients with dog bite over Lower lip. A 32 yr old male patient sustained injury to lower lip due to dog bite. One third of the total volume of the lower lip was involved. An Estlander flap was successfully done for the patient.

Results: Estlander flap provides adequate wound healing. Phonation is good which resulted in patient satisfaction. Oral continence was present. There was no leakage of liquids or solid food. Absolute closure of the lips was achieved.

Conclusions: In cases of upper and lower lip reconstruction, the Estlander flap is a good local flap .It is used when the involved area is mostly upto one third of the total volume of lip. The aesthetic as well as functional objectives are successfully obtained using this flap.