Multi-purpose use of nasal stents for prosthetic rehabilitation of facial defect: A case report

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cause of nasal defects. For large lesions with deep tissue extensions a total rhinectomy may be indicated followed by adjunctive therapies, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Subsequent surgical reconstruction of these defects poses a challenge due to the compromised tissue bed and may require rehabilitation with facial prosthesis. In current case report, patient had basal cell carcinoma, which had involved the nasal cartilages, right inferior turbinate, nasolabial fold, upper lip and adjacent vascular and perineural tissues. Basal cell carcinoma was surgically excised, followed by postoperative radiotherapy. The resulted nasal defect was closed by forehead pedicle flap. Nasal stents were inserted postoperatively to prevent stenosis of nostrils. Prosthetic rehabilitation of a complete nasal defect was done by utilising nasal stents to prevent nasal stenosis, improved stability and precision, in placement of prosthesis over flat nasal defect. Skin adhesive was applied on margins to enhance the retention of prosthesis and to blend the margins of prosthesis with adjacent skin.