[Nose reconstruction in material of Maxillofacial Surgery Department at the Pomeranian Academy of Medicine in Szczecin in 1975-2004]. / Rekonstrukcja nosa w materiale Kliniki Chirurgii Szczekowo-Twarzowej PAM w latach 1975-2004.

INTRODUCTION: The focus of this paper is the evaluation of usability of various nose skin reconstruction methods applied after removal of a skin cancer in the Teaching Hospital of Maxillofacial Surgery at the Pomeranian Academy of Medicine in Szczecin in 1975-2004. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research material consisted of 285 patients who underwent a surgical treatment of nose skin cancers located in various skin areas. In 67 cases, the tumour was situated on a nostril flare, in 42--on the nose tip, in 98--on the bridge and in 68--on one of its sides, most frequently, near the corner of the eye. Said tumours often covered more than one of the above-mentioned areas or even all of them. Reconstruction planning and performance was an integral part of the surgical treatment. The tumour amputation was preceded by an assessment of the quantity and quality of tissues necessary for filling in the lesions. Lesions located on the nose surface were covered by free skin grafts. In the case of nostril flare tumours, they were filled in with grafts composed of skin and cartilaginous tissue from the ear. Lesions including all nose layers were most frequently (in 136 cases) covered with various types of axially vascularised frontal skin flaps i.e. by the middle or temporal part of the frontal flap. In the case of elderly people the nasolabial flaps were used. RESULTS: In most cases, both the aesthetic and functional effects were very good. What appeared to be the most difficult reconstruction case was the restoration of the nasal bone structures after their complete amputation. CONCLUSION: Due to the thickness, colour and easiness of preparation of the middle frontal flap, it is considered to be the best material for reconstruction of the nose.