Cirugía reparadora de la parálisis facial mediante colgajo libre microvascularizado de músculo gracilis

Introduction and objectives Micro-neurovascular free muscle flap transfer is currently the procedure of choice for long-standing facial paralysis. We present a case series of patients treated with gracilis muscle free flap with motor innervation by the masseteric nerve. We discuss the surgical technique and quantify the movement granted by the muscle, the improvement in quality of life and aesthetic results.Materials and methodsWe report ten patients with unilateral facial paralysis who underwent free gracilis muscle flap, between the years 2010 and 2012 in two tertiary hospitals.ResultsIt is not reported any failure of the microsuture with survival of all flaps. The muscle movement was quantified by vectors at rest and contraction with an average of 1.7 cm that initiated around the fourth month after surgery. Patients also reported a significant improvement in symmetry at rest as well as oral and ocular competition.ConclusionAs currently presented in literature, microvascular free flaps are the technique of choice for facial reanimation. In our experience, we believe that gracilis muscle flap innervated by the masseteric nerve is a reliable and secure technique that provides adequate functional and aesthetic results.     

外鼻组织缺损的修复

目的：探讨外鼻组织缺损美学修复的方法。方法：以Yotsuyanagi等的鼻部美学分区原则为基础，结合笔者的临床实践，将鼻部分为鼻尖、鼻翼、鼻背上部、鼻背下部、鼻背旁区5个美学单位，采用鼻唇沟随意皮瓣、邻近菱形瓣、额部岛状瓣、鼻唇沟逆行岛状瓣、前臂带蒂皮瓣等方法修复外鼻组织缺损。结果：术后随访3个月～5年，疗效及外形满意，无一例复发。结论：采用邻近皮瓣及前臂带蒂皮瓣可以实现外鼻组织缺损的美学修复。     

Análisis y tratamiento de la dismorfia nasal secundaria a fisura labiopalatina

Introduction and objectivesCleft lip and palate are usually associated with craniofacial defects and nose deformities that alter the facial aesthetic configuration. After initial surgical treatment, further surgery (both nasal and maxillary) is often required to reduce the physical impact in these patients. These techniques should be delayed until the development of the facial skeleton is complete. The purpose of this study was to assess the system used in the preoperative analysis of such patients, the surgical technique and our results after proper follow-up time.Material and methodsThis was a retrospective study describing the medical history of patients with background of unilateral cleft lip treatment in childhood who underwent surgery in our service to correct their nasal deformity between June 2010 and June 2011.ResultsWe evaluated 5 cases on which we performed a functional, aesthetic, anthropometric and psychological analysis. The treatment was carried out at an average age of 18.3 years, with an individualised surgical technique using open septorhinoplasty. The mean follow-up time was 24.5 months.ConclusionsPreoperative analysis for this condition should include an aesthetic and functional nasal study and an anthropometric and psychological study. Open septorhinoplasty carried out at the age of 16-18 years is an appropriate procedure to correct the cleft lip nasal and palate deformity. Our surgical technique offers good long term functional, aesthetic, anthropometric and psychological outcomes.     

Usefulness of supraclavicular flap in reconstruction following resection of oral cancer

ObjectiveTo evaluate the usefulness of supraclavicular artery flap in reconstruction of defects following resection of buccal mucosa cancer.MethodsTwenty-five patients who presented to R.L Jalappa Hospital and Research centre and diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa staged T₂ and above were included in our study. All patients underwent wide excision of tumour and neck dissection. Six patients underwent hemi-mandibulectomy while 4 patients underwent marginal mandibulectomy depending on extent of the tumour along with neck dissection. The defect following surgery was reconstructed using the supraclavicular artery flap and were followed up for minimum 6 months during which they were assessed for the functional and aesthetic outcome using a scoring system. The details of the scoring system comprised of 7 attributes. Each attribute was given a score of 10 if the patients experienced that attribute, while a score of 0 was given if the patient did not experience that particular attribute.ResultsSeven (28%) patients had complete necrosis of the flap. One patient had a local recurrence 2 months following surgery and was lost to follow up. The remaining 17 patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months and a scoring system was adopted to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcome of the supraclavicular flap. We observed that 14 patients had an excellent outcome score (58%), 3 patients had a good outcome score (13%), while 7 patients (28%) had flap necrosis.ConclusionsWe find the supraclavicular flap to be safe, technically simple, sensate, thin, pliable and reliable regional fasciocutaneous flap in reconstructing intra oral defects. Preserving the external jugular vein and sacrificing supraclavicular nerves give good outcome.     

Algorithm for the treatment of external nasal valve insufficiency

IntroductionNasal obstruction is one of the most prevalent complaints in the population. The main causes of nasal obstruction are inflammatory, infectious or anatomical alterations. Anatomical alterations include nasal septum deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, and nasal valve insufficiency (external and/or internal). The diagnosis of nasal valve insufficiency remains a clinical one and is based on inspection and palpation of the nose, evaluating both its static and dynamic functions. The literature presents several options for the correction of external nasal valve insufficiency. These are chosen according to the choice and experience of each surgeon.ObjectiveTo create a practical algorithm for the treatment of external nasal valve insufficiency that can guide nasal surgeons in their choice of treatment for the different anatomical alterations found in patients with these disorders.MethodsWe used the treatment options found in the literature and correlated them with our surgical options for each type of anatomical alteration found. Therefore, we used basically three parameters related to physical examination findings (degree of insufficiency and characteristics of the lower lateral cartilage) and the patient's complaint (present or absent aesthetic complaint regarding the nasal tip).ResultA practical algorithm was developed for the treatment of external nasal valve insufficiency according to the degree of insufficiency (mild-to-moderate or severe), aesthetic complaint of the nasal tip (present or absent) and characteristics of the lower lateral cartilage (size and orientation).ConclusionThrough this simple algorithm, one can use each type of graft and/or maneuver according to the patients’ complaints and the anatomical alterations found.     

外鼻肿瘤术后局部皮肤缺损Ⅰ期皮瓣修复的两种方法

摘要：目的探讨在外鼻肿瘤术后局部皮肤缺损中Ⅰ期皮瓣修复的两种方法,而尖端折叠鼻唇皮瓣修补与眉间跨鼻双瓣修补,分析其临床疗效。方法回顾性分析外鼻肿瘤切除术后,根据不同缺损部位选择不同的Ⅰ期修复方法。鼻翼及鼻背缺损用尖端折叠带蒂鼻唇沟皮瓣修复方法(9例),眉间缺损选择跨鼻皮瓣修复方法（6例）。 结果15例患者术后随访3个月到1年,鼻部及周围皮肤无明显畸形,皮瓣均成活,血运好,皮瓣色泽红润、大小匹配,无明显瘢痕形成。结论外鼻肿瘤切除后不同区域选择不同的修复方法,重建鼻部基本轮廓,保持鼻部及面部外形及结构的完整性,提高美学效果、患者对手术的满意度及术后的生活质量。     

VITOM-3D assisted paramedian forehead flap for nasal reconstruction

BackgroundThe study was designed with the purpose of showing the potential advantages of the VITOM-3D assisted paramedian forehead flap for nasal reconstruction.MethodsA 72 years-old female patient presented to our department with a wide left nasal defect. On her clinical history she referred a basal cell carcinoma of the left nasal skin treated with multiple excision in another center without reconstruction. On clinical examination, we observed the absence of the left nasal tip, columella, upper lateral and lower lateral cartilage. In our experience the paramedian forehead flap based on supratrochlear artery is a feasible reconstruction (Shokri, T., et al).The first surgeon (Dr. Placentino) along with the head and neck team decided to reconstruct the nasal defect assisted by the 3D 4 K exoscope (VITOM®; Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany).ResultsThe goal of reconstruction is to carefully evaluate the nasal defects and rebuild the nose as close as possible to its original shape with the multilayer technique, creating the internal lining, the intermediate bony-cartilage structure and external skin. (Kim, I.A., et al). The exoscope allowed us to reconstruct the inner layer with the mucoperiostal septal flap, middle layer with auricular cartilage and the external skin through the elevation of the paramedian forehead flap. The flap is elevated from cranio-caudal direction including skin, subcutaneous tissue, frontalis muscle and associated fascia or periosteum. Donor site was primarily closed with the exception of a small defect. Post-operative period was uneventful, and after a period of 4 weeks when vascularization was complete, the patient underwent pedicle excision. At the recent 6 months follow-up, the flap had healed completely with the shape of nose restored with good symmetry.ConclusionHigh-definition (4 K), three-dimensional (3D) exoscope are being used to perform a growing number of head and neck surgeries (Bartkowiak, E., et al). However, the use of the 3D exoscope in the nasal reconstruction has not been previously described. In our opinion the potential advantages of this technique are, firstly, to achieve a better magnification and to improve the vision of anatomical structure that leads to a better functional and aesthetic result, secondly, to reduce surgical times. High-definition allowed us to highlight the scar tissue and preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. In addition, we underline the use of the exoscope for a better remodeling of cartilage.     

A new approach for crooked nose: Separated spreader graft “puzzle graft”

IntroductionThe nasal septum takes an important role in nasal shape and function. The term “crooked nose” is commonly used for all of the clinical conditions involving deviation of the nasal axis from the midline. This situation leads to both aesthetic concerns and breathing problems. In this study, we describe a new method in order to nasal dorsum on the midline and improving airway function in crooked nose patients, that will be contribute to the literature.Materials and methodsThis study enrolled 50 (fifty) patients who had undergone open septorhinoplasty operation were included in our study. The puzzle graft, which was prepared as a spreader graft consisting of three separate parts, was used to correct crooked nose in all patients. Anterior rhinoscopic examination, photographs and Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) scores for the pre-operative and post-operative 1 year were compared and evaluated in this study.ResultsThe new approach was used successfully in all of the patients. Anterior rhinoscopic and 1 year photographic evaluations revealed a significantly correction of external appearance post-operatively. None of the patients had any additional complaints and complications during the post-operative period. We observed that NOSE scores, with which the post-operative nasal obstruction was evaluated, were significantly better in all 50 patients.ConclusionCrooked nose deformity is one of the most difficult problems in rhinoplasty. There is no absolute true technique for solving this situation. Each method works properly in appropriate cases. Sometimes we should use more than one technique in the same operation to correct the pathology. Our purpose is to present a new option to help surgeons in “crooked nose”; to provide a new method that can work safe and effective in convenient conditions.     

Free flap combined with pectoralis major flap for reconstruction after total laryngopharyngectomy in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma

Conclusion: The findings suggest that a pectoralis major flap combined with a free flap is a safe and reliable method of reconstruction after total pharyngolaryngectomy; with this technique, one can help these patients remain disease free, with normal swallowing function, for a relatively acceptable survival duration. Objectives: To determine the functional and oncological outcomes of a combined flap for the extensive defects after total pharyngolaryngectomy in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx (SCCHP). Method: This study determined the perioperative morbidity and functional and oncologic outcomes of 21 patients with advanced SCCHP who underwent total laryngopharyngectomy and reconstruction using a combination of a pectoralis major flap and a free flap. Results: The free flap and pectoralis major flap were used to reconstruct the defects for all 21 patients. Fourteen patients were reconstructed with jejunal free flaps and pectoralis major flaps; in the remaining seven patients, anterolateral thigh flaps and pectoralis major flaps were used. All the combined flaps worked well, and patients recovered normal swallowing function a mean 19.4 days after surgery. After an overall mean follow-up time of 31.3 months, 30% of patients were still alive at the time of this analysis, with no evidence of disease.     

Nasal reconstruction with a three-staged forehead flap: assessment of 16 cases

INTRODUCTION: We report our experience in 16 patients with a three-staged forehead flap, described by Millard (1974) and Burguet (1992) for nasal reconstruction. We wanted to determine whether the three-stage procedure improves the quality of the final aesthetic result. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent forehead flap nasal reconstruction between June 2002 and February 2005. Reconstruction was performed in three stages, a first stage for the transfer of the forehead flap on the nose, a second stage where the pediculized forehead flap was thinned (day 15) and a third stage for division of the pedicle (day 30). The quality of the final aesthetic result of nasal reconstruction was evaluated 6 months postoperatively, by the patient (patient's satisfaction with the nasal reconstruction [4 points]) and by the surgical team according to the thickness of the flap (3 points), integration of the scars (1 point), color of the flap (1 point) and the redefinition of the natural contour of the nose (1 point). A final 10-point score was used to assess the quality of the result: very good (score above 8), good (score from 7 to 8), average (score from 5 to 7) and poor (score less than 5). RESULTS: Sixteen nasal reconstructions were followed to completion. Outcome was considered very good in ten (62.5%), good in three (18.7%) and fair in three (18.7%). DISCUSSION: Use of the three-stage procedure for forehead flap nasal reconstruction improved the contour of the flap by aggressive defatting of the still pediculized flap, and thus improving the final aesthetic result. Traditionally two stages are used for frontal flaps, with pedicle division at the first stage. This refinement must not be excessive because of the risk of necrosis, the frontal flap often requiring latter defatting. In the three-stage technique thinning is performed at the second stage on a vascularised, bipediculized flap, which makes it possible to obtain the desired refinement without excessive vascular risk.     

97例开放性鼻外伤的功能和形态重建

目的探讨开放性鼻外伤的形态和功能重建的手术方法。方法回顾性总结2007年1月～2010年2月97例开放性鼻外伤患者的临床资料，所有病例均行一期清创修复，其中13例伴有鼻骨和上颌骨骨折者同期行骨折复位；15例伴有软组织缺损者行邻近皮瓣修复或游离植皮修复创面；对所有贯穿鼻腔或伴有骨折的病例均行鼻腔填塞和外鼻可塑铝板鼻夹固定，5例术后行鼻腔置管。结果97例患者均一期愈合，鼻面部外观满意，鼻腔功能正常。结论开放性鼻外伤的功能和形态重建中，仔细清创，骨折复位，鼻腔填塞，软组织缝合，必要的前鼻孔置管的正确处理非常重要。     

Mastoid fascia kite flap for cryptotia correction

ObjectiveCryptotia is one of the most common malformations of the upper auricle with aesthetic and functional consequences, however there is no standard treatment. We present the surgical technique and results of a kite flap procedure which can be used in the different cryptotia subtypes.MethodsWe reviewed all patients treated in our department from 2010 to 2015, using a mastoid fascia kite flap technique. The incision of this local flap follows the retro-auricular sulcus along the rim of the helix superiorly and drawing a skin paddle inferiorly. The mastoid fascia is exposed and a superiorly and posteriorly based flap is drawn and detached from the skull. Finally, the skin paddle is rotated and sutured between the superior helix and temporal skin creating the superior sulcus. The retro-auricular incision is closed directly inferiorly.ResultsSix patients (mean age 12) and seven ears were studied. One patient had bilateral cryptotia and only two had a normal contralateral ear. Mean follow-up was of 45 months. There was no skin necrosis, no complications reported and no revision surgery.ConclusionsWe describe a reliable flap with a simple design and improved aesthetic result, as the thickness of the flap projects the helix well, the scar is entirely hidden in the retro-auricular sulcus and the direct suture induces a harmonious medialization of the inferior part of the ear and earlobe.     

Semilunar conchal cartilage graft in saddle nose reconstruction

IntroductionThe saddle nose deformity is easily recognized by the loss of septal support and nasal dorsal height with adverse functional and aesthetic consequences.TechniqueWe treated a 50-year-old woman and a 54-year old man that presented with a moderate saddle nose deformity following a previous septorhinoplasty (female patient) and a posttraumatic severe saddle nose deformity (male patient). The patients were treated by open approach rhinoplasty under general anesthesia, and the saddle nose deformity was reconstructed with a semilunar conchal cartilage graft. A semilunar part of the conchal cartilage is excised, lending its name to the graft. A smaller leaf shaped cartilage part is excised and sutured upside-down with PDS 5-0 sutures on the opposite of the cartilage, so that the concave surfaces are facing each other. The newly formed graft is then sutured in its place on the nasal dorsum in the supratip saddle area over the triangular cartilages to widen the inner nasal valve angle. The lateral tips of the semilunar graft are placed below the lateral alar crura to improve external nasal valve functionality.DiscussionThis modified conchal cartilage graft presents itself as an excellent reconstructive option, especially considering its low morbidity, availability and ability to retrieve an adequate amount of cartilage in the vast majority of patients. These modifications of the conchal cartilage are previously unreported, and provide the needed height and elasticity in saddle nose reconstruction without the need for additional grafting. It is important to stress that when positioned properly, a beneficial effect in peak nasal inspiratory flow may be observed, adding to its usefulness in repairing both function and aesthetics.     

A review of practical guidelines for correction of the deviated, asymmetric nose

Repair of the twisted nose presents a challenge, as often functional problems as well as aesthetic deformities must be addressed. Traditional correction of the deviated nose involves septal correction, separation of both upper lateral cartilages from the septum and bony pyramid manipulation after osteotomies. Nowadays autogenous cartilage grafts are being used for repositioning, reinforcement, recontouring and reconstruction of virtually every component of the nasal skeleton. These restructuring techniques follow the modern principles mentioned above and may well be applied to the deviated asymmetric nose. The grafting manoeuvres increase the stability of the realigned cartilaginous nasal framework, including the nasal septum, but may also be used for camouflaging purposes. The large number of possible individual anatomic variations including facial asymmetry does call for a systematic approach based on succinct individualised analysis.     

Reconstruction of a transfixing partial loss of substance from the wing of nose with the upper pedicled nasolabial flap

The reconstruction of the wing of the nose is a surgical challenge. The aim of the reconstruction is both aesthetic and functional. The nasolabial flap with upper pedicule returned, described by Préaux in 1994, appears to be successful for this challenge. The advantages of this flap include simplicity, reliability, one-step procedure and good results. Nevertheless it presents functional and aesthetic disadvantages. We present a variant which allows to correct these disadvantages.     

Saddle nose surgery: long term aesthetic outcomes of support grafts

Saddle nose surgery requires support grafts to improve the aesthestic of the nose such as the functional ventilation. Many kind of graft are available: Calvarial bone graft, iliac crest, septal cartilage, conchal cartilage, nasal hump, bony inferior turbinate. OBJECTIVES: To define the surgical strategy and long term aesthetic outcomes of rhinoplasty with support graft for saddle nose correction. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study during the period 1985-2005: 160 patients underwent rhinoplasty with support graft for saddle nose correction. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the deformation (group I: Minor saddle nose; group II: Intermediate saddle nose; group III: Major saddle nose). Long term results were analysed at least 5 years after surgery, in 70 patients. RESULTS: An intranasal approach was performed in 92 cases, while an open approach was performed in 68 cases. A bony support graft was used in 85% of patients of group II and 94% of patients of group III. These grafts allowed a more rigid correction of the saddle nose than cartilage. For groups II and III patients, cartilage support grafts were not used because of the lack of quantity to correct the saddle nose. CONCLUSION: Calvarial bone support graft has a great role in saddle nose surgery. The postoperative aesthetic outcomes are interesting and its absorption is low.     

Oral strength in subjects with a unilateral cleft lip and palate

Purpose

Facial appearance and speech outcome may affect psychosocial functioning in girls and boys. Several studies reported dissatisfaction with facial appearance and more specifically the lip and mouth profile in children with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The purpose of this controlled study was to measure the tongue and lip strength and endurance in boys and girls with CLP.

Methods

Twenty-five subjects (mean age: 10.6 years) with a unilateral CLP and a gender- and age- matched control group were selected. All subjects with an unilateral CLP consulted the same craniofacial team and had undergone an identical surgical procedure. Surgical procedure of the lip was performed using a modified Millard technique without primary nose correction at an average age of 5.5 months. The Iowa Oral Performance instrument was used to measure lip and tongue strength and tongue endurance.

Results

The results of the Iowa Oral Performance measurement showed no significant differences between the subjects with an unilateral cleft lip and palate and the age and gender matched control group without a cleft lip and palate.

Conclusion

There is no significant differences regarding oral strength more specifically the lip and tongue strength and endurance between subjects with and without an unilateral cleft lip and palate. ENT specialists and speech pathologists must be aware of this aspect of the normal lip and tongue functions.     

Crooked nose: outcome evaluations in rhinoplasty

A crooked nose is the result of deformities that might involve the bony nasal pyramid, the upper and lower lateral cartilages, and nasal septum, causing complaints of aesthetic and/or functional nature.PurposeTo evaluate how satisfied are those patients who underwent rhinoplasty to correct crooked nose, through the questionnaire Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE).Material and methodA longitudinal study with retrospective analysis of preoperative satisfaction and prospective analysis of postoperative satisfaction of patients who underwent rhinoplasty. ROE questionnaire was applied twice in the same visit aiming at measuring patient satisfaction in both pre and postoperative periods. Nineteen patients who underwent rhinoplasty answered the ROE.ResultsFor all patients who underwent rhinoplasty, the average preoperative satisfaction score was of 24.6±11.3, while the average postoperative score was of 76.1±19.5 (p<0.0001). Average differences between pre and postoperative satisfaction scores in patients younger than 30 years of age were lower than those reported by ≥30-year-old patients (p=0.05).ConclusionFrom the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation questionnaire, it is possible to demonstrate the impact that rhinoplasty to correct a crooked nose determines the quality of life of patients. Approximately 90% of patients undergoing rhinoplasty believed they achieved a good or excellent postoperative result.     

Reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects with anterolateral thigh free flap: A single-center retrospective analysis

IntroductionReconstruction of expanded hypopharyngeal defects following laryngo-hypopharyngectomy for surgical treatment of primary is still a challenge for head and neck surgeons. Tradiotionally, jejunal or radial forearm flaps are the common reconstructive choice. Recently, the anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap has served for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. The goal of this work is to describe a retrospective analysis about a five-year single-center experience in the reconstruction of post-operative hypopharyngeal defects with ALT free flap.MethodsA single-center retrospective study was performed, including patients treated for patients who underwent tumor surgery involving hypopharynx with ALT free flap reconstruction from 2015 to 2020. Exclusion criteria were paediatric (0–18 years) patients, and the absence of follow-up.ResultsThe study included 23 adult patients. The mean size of the flap was 90 cm² (range 60–130 cm²). The mean time required to harvest the antero-lateral tight flap was 70 min (range 35–120 min). The median age was 46.3 years (SD 15.81, range: 19–84 years), with a gender female prevalence (F = 48, M = 33). Mean follow-up was 77.7 months (min 4–max 361, SD 72.46). One patient (4.4 %) showed a hypopharyngeal stenosis.ConclusionALT free flap represents a successful and versatile reconstructive option for hypopharyngeal defects extended to oropharynx and/or larynx following total laryngectomy with circumferential or partial hypopharyngectomy, regardless of the functional and aesthetic results, with minimal donor-site complication.     

A modified V-shaped incision combined with superficial musculo-aponeurotic system flap for parotidectomy

Background: V-shaped incision (VSI) for parotidectomy had been introduced for cosmetic purpose. Despite having aesthetic superiority, it required excessive retraction or an additional hairline incision for adequate surgical exposure. To overcome these problems, we conceptualized a modified VSI approach combined with a separate superficial musculo-aponeurotic system flap.

Aims: This study aimed to propose this approach and evaluate its technical feasibility and efficacy for excision of parotid tumors.

Materials and methods: This is a prospective, nonrandomized study involving 74 patients with small-to-medium (<4?cm), benign parotid tumors located superficially. The patients were divided into two groups based on the incision techniques used: modified VSI and modified Blair incision (MBI). The clinical outcomes of both approaches for parotidectomy were analyzed.

Results: Thirty-four patients underwent modified VSI approach, while 40 underwent MBI. All parotidectomies with modified VSI were successfully completed without any further incision, and no facial nerve injury or intraoperative tumor rupture complication was reported. There were no significant differences in the complications between both approaches, such as hematoma, infection, wound dehiscence, skin necrosis, sialocele, or sensory disturbance. The modified VSI group showed better cosmetic satisfaction results than did the MBI group (9.2 and 7.8, respectively; p < .001).

Conclusions and significance: The modified VSI approach is safe and feasible for small-to-medium benign parotid tumors. This approach could be a possible option for patients with a high cosmetic demand.

Level of Evidence: 4.

Study design: Prospective pilot study.