THE ANCIENT INDIAN FLAP: A TECHNIQUE STILL UP TO DATE

THE ANCIENT INDIAN FLAP: A TECHNIQUE STILL UP TO DATE (Abstract): Aim: To reevaluate an old surgical technique that is still used and even up to date. Material and methods: A series of 24 patients was reviewed: 10 women and 14 men aged 55 to 84 years who underwent surgery between 2011 and 2017. All patients had various facial lesions removed from the nasal pyramid, nose and cheek region, nose and upper lip, and from the internal angle of the orbit. Most of the removed lesions were malignant- basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, with only one benign lesion consisting of a hemangioma. For covering of the post-excisional defect, the Indian flap was used and mobilized into the defect by rotation, transposition or tunneling of an island flap. Results: Favorable results were achieved from a cosmetic and functional point of view, without any flap loss. Illustrative cases for each type of lesion and performed flap are presented and the postoperative outcomes are exemplified. Conclusions: The Indian flap remains the gold standard to cover defects in the nasal and neighboring regions.