Nasolabial Flap in Oncologic Oral Cavity Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives

To systematically evaluate the outcomes of nasolabial flap (NSFL) reconstruction for oncologic oral cavity defects.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed and reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 1990 and 2026. Studies reporting NSFL reconstruction following oncologic resection of oral cavity defects were included. Single-arm pooled proportions were calculated using random-effects models. Risk of bias, sensitivity analyses, funnel plot, and Egger regression tests were used to assess methodological quality, robustness, and potential publication bias.

Results

Twenty-five studies comprising 827 patients were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which 23 contributed to the quantitative analysis. Pooled flap necrosis was 3.4% (95% CI, 1.6-7.1), overall complications 9.2% (95% CI, 4.9-16.4), and donor-site morbidity 0.9% (95% CI, 0.2-4.3). Functional and aesthetic outcomes were generally favorable.

Conclusions

The NSFL represents a reliable reconstructive option for selected small- to medium-sized oncologic oral cavity defects, with low rates of flap-related complications and donor-site morbidity.