Karapandzic flap: A case-report

For full-thickness lip defects, the choice of reconstructive option depends on the size of the defect. Defects of one-quarter to one-third of the upper lip can be closed primarily. Larger defects measuring one-third to two-thirds of the lower lip width may be closed with the Karapandzic, Abbe or Estlander flaps. If the commissure is involved, both the Karapandzic and Estlander flaps may be used; however, the Karapandzic is probably the better choice because it is better at maintaining oral competence. In the case of larger lower lip defects (more than two-thirds of the lip), if there is sufficient adjacent cheek tissue, the surgeon may employ the Karapandzic (for defects up to three-fourths of the lower lip width) or the Bernard-Burow's techniques (to reconstruct the entire lower lip). A case of post-traumatic, lower lip defect, reconstructed with a bilateral karapandzic flap is presented here.