Lip‐to‐nose flap for reconstruction of the nasal planum after curative intent excision of squamous cell carcinoma in cats: Description of technique and outcome in seven cases

Objective To describe the surgical technique for nasal planum reconstruction with a lip‐to‐nose flap after curative intent surgical excision of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in cats and to report the surgical outcomes. Study design Short case series. Animals Seven cats with SCC of the lateral (n = 6) or dorsal (n = 1) aspect of the nasal planum. Methods After tumor excision, a mucocutaneous lip‐to‐nose flap was harvested from the upper lip and transposed to reconstruct the nasal planum. Variables recorded included surgical time, surgical complications, healing complications, flap success rate, and cosmetic and long‐term functional outcomes. Results Median surgical time was 67.5 minutes (range 49‐80), and no intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperatively, six cats developed self‐limiting edema of the muzzle, and one cat had nasal discharge for 2 days. No major complications occurred during the healing process, and all cats went on to achieve successful healing of their flap. A small area of partial‐thickness necrosis developed at the cranial edge of the flap in three cats and healed spontaneously in all cases within a few days. According to owner satisfaction and periodic clinical assessment, cosmetic and long‐term functional of outcomes were considered good in all cats. Conclusion The lip‐to‐nose flap allowed for aesthetic and functional reconstruction of the nasal planum after curative intent surgical excision of feline SCC. Clinical significance The lip‐to‐nose flap is an option for a single‐stage reconstruction of the nasal planum following partial nasal planectomy in cats.