title: Orofacial Soft Tissue Reconstruction with Locoregional Flaps in a Health Resource-Depleted Environment: Experiences from Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Reconstruction of orofacial soft tissue defects is often challenging due to functional and aesthetic demands. Despite advances in orofacial soft tissue defect reconstruction using free flaps, locoregional flaps still remain an important option, especially in health resource-depleted environments. This retrospective study highlights our experiences in oral and maxillofacial soft tissue reconstruction using locoregional flaps.
  
  
  METHODS
  A twenty-three years retrospective analysis of all patients managed in our department was undertaken. Information was sourced from patients' case notes and operating theater records. Data was analyzed using SPSS ver. 16 (SPSS Inc.) and Microsoft Excel 2007 (Microsoft).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 77 patients underwent orofacial soft tissue defect reconstruction within the years reviewed. Males accounted for 55 (71.4%) cases and trauma was the main etiological factor in 45 (58.4%) of the patients treated. When sites of defect were considered, the lip, 27 (32.1%), was the most frequent site followed by the nose, 17 (20.2%). Forehead flap, 51 (59.3%), was the most commonly used flap. Complications noted were tumor recurrences at the recipient bed in 3 (3.9%) cases, tumor occurrence at the donor site in 1 (1.3%) case and postoperative infection in 11 (14.3%) cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Locoregional flaps still have an important role in the rehabilitation of patients with orofacial soft tissue defects. They remain a vital tool in the armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon, especially in health resource-depleted environments where advanced reconstructive techniques may not be feasible.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Rowland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Agbara
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Athanasius Chukwudi
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Obiadazie
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fomete
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Kelvin Uchenna
authors.initials: KU
authors.lastname: Omeje
keywords: Face; Health resources; Soft tissue injuries; Surgical flaps