title: The versatility of the Karapandzic flap: A review of 65 cases with patient-reported outcomes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Karapandzic flap is an established technique for reconstruction of large lip defects and in our experience is particularly valuable in repair of the upper lateral lip and the commissures as well. We present our experience in a case series of 65 patients under one consultant.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent Karapandzic flap repair for lip defects following cancer resection from 2007 to 2014 in North Yorkshire. A data collection tool was used which incorporated patient demographics, tumour location, histology, complications, resection margins and recurrence including functional and aesthetic outcomes. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to assess postoperative outcome at more than 1 year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The clearance rate was 98.4%. For those with a follow-up greater than 1 year, there was no recurrence or surgical revision, whilst the most common concern was temporary lip paraesthesia. The mean POSAS scores were low for both patients and observers reflecting a high satisfaction rate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The technique of Karapandzic flap reconstruction for defects in both upper and lower lip allows adequate margin clearance with a low level of complications. The advantages of this technique include preservation of both function and sensation utilising local tissue to allow successful aesthetic outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The York Hospital, Wigginton Road, York, YO31 8HE, United Kingdom. Electronic address: trevor.teemul@nhs.net.
authors.forename: Trevor A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Teemul
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The York Hospital, Wigginton Road, York, YO31 8HE, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Telfer
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The York Hospital, Wigginton Road, York, YO31 8HE, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Rabindra P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The York Hospital, Wigginton Road, York, YO31 8HE, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Martin R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Telfer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Karapandzic flap; Lip reconstruction; Lip resection