Temporoparietal osteofascial flap for head and neck reconstruction.

PURPOSE: This article describes the use of the temporoparietal osteofascial flap (TOF) for reconstruction of bony defects in the midface and mandible. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the demographics, etiology, indications, surgical technique, radiographic evaluation, and final outcome of 11 patients with upper or lower jaw defects who underwent reconstruction using the TOF between 1994 and 1999. RESULTS: The TOF was used to reconstruct a defect of the mandible in 7 patients, the hard palate in 2 patients, the maxilla in 1 patient, and the zygoma in 1 patient. The defect was a result of tumor resection in 9 patients and of trauma in 2 patients. The defect size ranged from 3 to 6 cm. Ten flaps (91%) were successful and 1 flap failed. There was 1 donor site complication (small dural tear) that was repaired immediately without sequelae. One patient had osseointegrated dental implants placed in the bone with good results. Exploration of the construction area was performed in 1 patient 13 months after surgery because of recurrent tumor. It showed a fully integrated bone flap. CONCLUSION: This vascularized calvarial bone flap can be used for the reconstruction of small to medium-sized defects of the maxilla and lateral mandible with good functional and cosmetic results. It can be performed without special microvascular expertise and with minimal donor site morbidity. A full-thickness bone flap can support osseointegrated dental implants.     

Nasolabial facial artery and vein as recipient vessels for midface microsurgical reconstruction

Although free flap transfer is commonly performed to reconstruct facial defects, the submandibular facial artery and vein have historically been considered as adequate recipient vessels for microsurgical reconstruction. If the vascular pedicles of the free flap are short, vein grafts are necessary. The purpose of this study was to determine the indications for and effectiveness of using the nasolabial facial vessels for midfacial reconstruction. A retrospective chart review of 6 patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction for defects of the face revealed 6 free tissue transfers in which the nasolabial facial artery and vein were considered for use as recipient vessels. Flap success rates were evaluated. Six patients (5 men and 1 woman) underwent 6 free flap transfers. Five anterior helix free flaps were used for the reconstruction of defects in the lower third of the nose. Nasal defects were due to trauma in 4 patients and squamous cell carcinoma in 1 patient. In 1 neurofibromatosis type 1 case, a radial forearm flap was used for reconstruction of the left orbital defect. The facial artery and vein in the nasolabial fold were used as the recipient artery and vein in every case. The mean length of follow-up was 5.8 years. All flaps survived. All patients were satisfied with the degree of aesthetic improvement after surgery.Use of the facial artery and vein in the nasolabial fold for facial reconstruction is reliable and safe. The nasolabial facial artery and vein should be considered as primary recipient vessels in microsurgical reconstruction of the midface.     

Non-vascularised fibular bone graft after vascular crisis: compensation for the failure of vascularised fibular free flaps

After reconstruction of a segmental mandibular defect with a fibular free flap, a vascular crisis can be detected clinically and a “no-flow” phenomenon found during re-exploration. Traditional methods used to solve this include removal of the failed flap and delayed mandibular reconstruction, or restoration of the defect with a functional reconstruction plate or contralateral fibular free flap. Our aim therefore was to investigate under what circumstances it is feasible to use a non-vascularised fibular bone graft (NVFB) as a free bone graft after the failure of a vascularised fibular free flap. From 1 January 2010–31 December 2014, 10 patients who had NVFB after failure of a fibular free flap were included in the study. All patients were treated at the Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. NVFB were preserved successfully without infection in all 10 cases, and follow-up imaging showed that it had incorporated well with the residual mandible, the basic function and facial aesthetics of which were maintained. In conclusion we have identified that by precise selection of patients, detailed preoperative planning, and meticulous postoperative care, NVFB can be used as a “rescue” technique after failure of a fibular free flap, and can successfully restore the segmental mandibular defect and facial contour.     

Reconstruction of through-and-through facial defects with combined anterior tibial flap and dorsalis pedis flap

Through-and-through facial defects can be the result of malignancy, malformations, or trauma and pose a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. An ideal reconstruction of such defects should restore both lining and external skin defects at the same time. In this report, we describe the use of combined anterior tibial flap and dorsalis pedis flap to reconstruct complex facial defects. Six patients who presented with through-and-through facial defects were included. The cause of defects were trauma, radiotherapy, or flap necrosis, and defect locations were the buccal (3 patients), oral region (2 patients), and frontal (1 patient). The outer defects were between 5 × 6 cm and 13 × 9 cm, whereas the inner defects were between 3 × 3 cm and 5 × 6 cm. The anterior tibial flaps that were used to cover the outer defects ranged from 5 × 8 cm to 10 × 15 cm, and the dorsalis pedis flaps that were used to reconstruct the lining ranged from 3 × 4 cm to 6 × 8 cm. Donor sites were covered with skin grafts. No flap failure was evident, and a good aesthetic outcome was obtained in all cases. In 1 patient, the skin graft on the dorsal pedis presented partial necrosis and ultimately healed by dressing change. Compared with other techniques, the combined anterior tibial flap and dorsalis pedis flap possesses the potential benefits of being thin and pliable and having reliable vascularity. It brings a new alternative method for complex facial defect reconstruction.     

Bare serratus anterior free flap in the reconstruction of the partial pharyngoesophageal defect

Reconstruction of defects of the cervical esophagus is a challenge in head and neck surgery. Several methods have been used: flaps with local tissues, pharyngogastric anastomosis, deltopectoral skin flaps, skin muscle transplant from the pectoralis major, and microvascularized free skin fascial and small intestine flaps. A 81-year-old patient who has a partial pharyngoesophageal defect after resection of laryngeal carcinoma underwent reconstruction with bare serratus anterior fascial free flap. The subscapular artery and vein were anastomosed to the superior thyroid artery and vein. The patient's postoperative recovery went uneventfully. In the endoscopic examination, the defect was completely covered with native mucosa 8 weeks after surgery, and also, there were no stricture and fistula tract in the reconstructed area.Serratus fascial flap is a thin and pliable flap with good and reliable vascularity; it can be used in the reconstruction of partial cervical esophageal defect with its long pedicle. Serratus fascial flap can provide significant epithelialization that cannot be differentiated from native esophagus. We propose that serratus fascial free flap is an important alternative in esophageal reconstructions because it creates minimal donor-site morbidity and it can easily adapt to the defect.     

A comparison of vascularized fibular flap and iliac crest flap for mandibular reconstruction

Segmental mandibular defects, which are caused either by ablative surgery or trauma, are usually accompanied by different degrees of skin, soft tissue or mucosa losses. The reconstruction of such defects requires complicated surgical procedures.An ideal mandibular reconstruction method must support the insertion osseointegrated dental implants which is necessary for total oral rehabilitation. The soft tissue defect should also be reconstructed if it accompanies the bony defect. We performed 37 mandibular reconstructions using either vascularized iliac crest flap or fibula flap. Sixteen of 24 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction using iliac crest flap, and 3 of 13 patients who has been reconstructed with fibula flaps, had mandibular defects involving skin and/or mucosa. Both techniques were compared regarding patients records such as hospital stay, operation time, defect size, etiopathogenesis, skin paddle, blood transfusion, and complication rates. Self-assessment questionnaires were also used to evaluate aesthetic and functional results.When 2 different mandibular reconstruction techniques are compared regarding patient records, the complication rate of fibula flap was less than the iliac crest flap. Functional and aesthetic results also showed that oral continence, social activities, and facial appearance rates of fibula flap were superior to iliac crest flap. Lower complication rates of fibula flap group may be associated with patients' higher satisfaction rate.Both flaps are commonly used in mandibular reconstruction, however, many parameters including defect localization, defect size, presence of soft tissue defect should be considered.     

Transformation of a vascularised iliac crest or scapula bone to a pedicled osteomuscular transplant for reconstruction of distant defects in the head and neck region: A new method of transforming two island flaps to one longer island flap

ObjectiveBone defects in the maxillofacial region after ablative surgery require reconstructive surgery, usually using microvascular free flaps. This paper presents a new method of reconstructing extensive defects in patients not suitable for microvascular surgery using prefabrication of a vascularised osteomuscular flap from the scapula or iliac crest bone.MethodsThree patients who were treated with this new technique are presented. Two patients (one mandibular defect and one defect in the maxillary region) received prefabricated osteomuscular flaps from the iliac crest bone using the latissimus dorsi muscle as a pedicle. One patient also presenting a mandibular defect after tumour surgery received a scapula transplant for reconstruction of the defect using the pectoralis major muscle as pedicle.ResultsIn all three cases vital bone could be transplanted. The pedicle was strainless in all three cases. Minor bone loss could be seen initially only in one case. The results are stable now and one patient received dental implants for later prosthetic treatment.ConclusionThe presented two-step surgery provides an excellent method for reconstruction of bony defects in the maxillofacial region in patients where microvascular surgery is not possible due to reduced state of health or lack of recipient vessels.     

Reconstruction of scalp defect after Moyamoya disease surgery using an occipital pedicle V-Y advancement flap

Scalp necrosis is an infrequent complication of Moyamoya disease surgery, which is more prevalent in the parietotemporal area. Because scalp vascularity is severely compromised after Moyamoya disease surgery, reconstruction of defects with local scalp tissue is challenging. To cover defects, a flap is needed that is highly vascularized and has great mobility and territory to avoid existing scars. After tracing ipsilateral occipital artery, an advancement flap that was based on occipital artery and vein was designed to fit the defect. The flap was elevated in the subperiosteal layer and advanced without tension to cover the defect. Occipital pedicle V-Y advancement flaps were used in 7 patients who had scalp necrosis of the parietotemporal area and a mean defect size of 8.7 cm. There were no complications such as flap necrosis, infection, or recurrence of defect in all patients during 9-month follow-up. Occipital pedicle V-Y advancement flap is a useful alternative flap for scalp defects after surgical treatments that compromise scalp vascularity, such as Moyamoya disease surgery.     

Use of lateral circumflex femoral artery system free flaps in skull base reconstruction

We present a 10-year retrospective study at a tertiary center designed to evaluate the advantages, complications, and comparative results using lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) system free flaps for cranial base reconstruction. In this study, a cranial base defect refers to exposed intracranial contents to the skin, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, oropharynx, or oral cavity. These defects resulted from resections of primary or recurrent neoplasms or from secondary problems after cranial base surgery. We performed 20 flaps in 20 patients. The selection of flap was as follows: 8 combinations of anterolateral/anteromedial thigh flaps with vastus lateralis muscle or tensor fascia lata flaps, 6 ALT fasciocutaneous flaps, and 6 muscle/myocutaneous flaps. The flap's success rate was 95% (19/20). Early major complications included 1 perioperative death, and there was 1 myocardial infarction. Minor complications included 1 partial (12%) flap loss, 2 temporal cerebrospinal fluid leak, 2 donor-site hematoma, 2 minor wound breakdown, 3 facial nerve weakness, and 4 donor-site numbness. Among 20 patients undergoing LCFA system flap reconstruction, 12 are alive and disease free. Local recurrence occurred in 1 patient. She underwent ablative surgery and a new successful free flap (forearm flap); after 2 years, the patient is disease free. The LCFA system flaps in skull base reconstruction provide versatility in flap design and availability of adequate tissues to fill dead space, and it offers vascularized fascia to augment dural repairs. It also provides a very long pedicle and allows simultaneous flap harvest with low donor-site morbidity.     

Anatomy of the platysma muscle and the evaluation of it for the reconstruction of facial defects

Reconstruction of the defects with various flaps is the main issue in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Tissues used for the repair of the defects of the face should be convenient for this most important aesthetic unit. Color, elasticity, and volume of the transferred tissues have the utmost importance for successful results. Platysma muscle flap appears to be a good alternative method for the reconstruction of the facial defects. Anatomic dissections on five fresh cadavers for the evaluation of the vascular structures and 11 clinical cases of reconstruction of the defects of the face and the neck with platysma muscle and musculocutaneous flaps are performed in this study to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of platysma flaps. Cadaveric dissections were performed on the face and the neck regions on both sides. Eleven patients with various defects on the face and the upper neck regions were surgically treated: three transverse cervical artery-based transverse musculocutaneous platysma flaps, seven facial artery-based vertical musculocutaneous platysma flaps, and one superior thyroidal artery-based platysma muscle flap were used for the repairs. The patients ranged in age from 42 to 74 years. The defects measured 2x3 cm to 6x9 cm and the flaps 3x3 cm to 7x10 cm. The follow-up periods were 2 to 21 months. Postoperative venous congestion between the 5th and 9th days was observed in seven patients. One patient had infection of the donor site, and another had infection of the recipient site; both recovered with systemic and topical antibiotherapy. Partial flap loss occurred in one patient. Our study concluded that platysma flaps showed sufficient tissue match with successful results for the reconstructive procedures of facial defects.     

颏下岛状皮瓣在头颈外科的应用

目的 结合应用颏下岛状皮瓣修复头颈肿瘤术后组织缺损的体会,对颏下岛状皮瓣的解剖、制作、适应证及优缺点等进行论述。方法 以面动脉、面静脉的分支支颏下动、静脉为蒂制成岛状皮瓣,采用逆行解剖法,先切取皮瓣,由前向后连同同侧颌下腺向近心端分离,解剖出面动脉,保留颏下动脉、静脉,切除颌下腺及淋巴结。结果 进行颏下岛状皮瓣修复的16例患者,成活15例,失败1例,成功率93．8％。结论 颏下岛状皮瓣适用多种头颈肿瘤术后的一期重建,它具有长而可靠的血管蒂,操作简单,供皮区缝合后切口隐蔽,对外观影响较小,无需血管吻合等优点。但对术前放疗供皮区包括在放疗野内之患者以及颏下、颌下有淋巴结转移的患者,该皮瓣不适用。     

Free fibular flap vascular pedicle calcification

Osseous free flaps are major reconstruction choices of the segmental mandibular defects. However, etiology of defects in mandible is variable; tumor-related surgery, trauma, radiation, or congenital anomalies are the most common causes. The advent of microvascular surgery has achieved the reconstruction of complex mandibular defects. The options for bony free-tissue transfer for mandibular reconstruction primarily depend on the fibula, iliac, scapula, and radius bone. The free fibular flap continues to be first choice in the reconstruction of mandibular defects because of its advantages. In this report, rare complication of vascular pedicle calcification after mandibular reconstruction with free fibular flap is presented.     

颅底—颞下颌关节区骨巨细胞病变的切除及修复

目的：探讨发生于颅底—颞下颌关节区的骨巨细胞病变的手术切除特点及修复原则。方法：1994年3月～2007年7月共手术治疗颅底—颞下颌关节区骨巨细胞病变18例,12例行颅颌联合手术。15例病变全部切除,3例近全切除,仅1例切除部分硬脑膜并修补。对于术后缺损,17例用邻近带蒂组织瓣如颞肌系统瓣、胸锁乳突肌瓣修复,1例用游离背阔肌肌皮瓣修复;4例用钛板重建颧弓,6例用钛网重建颅底,2例分别用人工关节和游离髂骨重建颞下颌关节。3例近全切除者加用术后放疗。结果：除1例术后第3天发生脑脊液漏,经保守治疗康复,其余无并发症。所有18例术后外形基本对称,术前各种症状明显改善。16例在随访期间（6个月～10a）未出现复发,2例失访。结论：对发生于颅底-颞下颌关节区的骨巨细胞病变,应力求根治性切除,硬脑膜缺损应予修补。用邻近的带蒂组织瓣修复软组织缺损,钛板或钛网修复骨组织缺损,可获得满意的外形,较大的缺损可用游离组织瓣修复。     

Superiorly based facial artery musculomucosal flap for large anterior palatal fistulae in clefts.

OBJECTIVE: An anterior hard palate fistula for which more than one attempt at repair using local tissue has failed is a difficult complication in cleft surgery. Prior to alveolar bone grafting, cleft patients have an open anterior maxillary arch that allows passage of a pedicled flap from cheek to hard palate. The superiorly based facial artery musculomucosal flap passed through the clefted alveolus is one of the newer techniques to solve this difficult problem. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of using a facial artery musculomucosal flap with an anterosuperiorly based pedicle with retrograde blood flow to repair a large anterior hard palate fistula when a lack of adequate local soft tissue precludes a local flap closure and the patient otherwise would need a tongue flap. RESULTS: Of 16 facial artery musculomucosal flaps in 14 children, 12 were successful, 2 suffered partial flap loss secondary to venous congestion, and 2 had complete flap failure. One had a small wound dehiscence that resulted in a small posterior fistula. CONCLUSION: An anterosuperiorly based facial artery musculomucosal flap is a viable option to close large anterior hard palate defects. Care needs to be taken to ensure adequate venous drainage. This flap obviates the need for a staged tongue flap repair for those patients with an open maxillary arch.     

拱顶石皮瓣在颌面部软组织缺损修复中的应用：8例报道

目的 探讨拱顶石皮瓣在修复颌面部各类软组织缺损中的应用效果。方法 选择2019年1月—2020年6月行颌面部肿瘤切除的患者8例,设计拱顶石皮瓣,修复患者颌面部软组织缺损。缺损面积4 cm×3 cm~15 cm×8 cm;术中根据缺损部位不同,灵活设计拱顶石皮瓣的位置及形态,尽量保持与邻近知名动脉长轴一致,保证皮瓣中心1/3与基底软组织的连接,其余皮瓣与基底软组织做适当分离,使皮瓣获得更大游离度和旋转度。结果 本组皮瓣均一期成活。术后随访发现,皮瓣色泽和形态良好;无感染、坏死,未见明显瘢痕挛缩,患者均能接受;面部功能无明显障碍。结论 拱顶石穿支岛状皮瓣设计简单,血供丰富,安全有效,能够满足颌面部多种软组织中小型缺损的修复,值得在口腔颌面外科临床推广应用。     

股前外侧肌皮瓣修复颊癌术后缺损23例临床分析

目的:探讨股前外侧肌皮瓣修复颊癌术后软组织缺损的效果.方法:2013年5月-2015年5月以股前外侧肌皮瓣修复颊癌术后缺损患者23例.设计并制备股前外侧肌皮瓣单岛或者多岛,修复颊癌术后组织缺损.术后观察口腔颌面部及供区形态和功能,总结皮瓣制取及修复经验.结果:23例股前外侧皮瓣全部成活,其中3例术后24 h内出现血管危象,经抢救后皮瓣成活,成活率100％.随访1～3 a,口腔颌面部及供区形态、功能恢复良好,1例出现颊部积液并感染,经冲洗引流处理后恢复良好;2例术后复发、死亡.结论:股前外侧肌皮瓣修复颊癌术后软组织缺损效果良好,值得临床推广应用.     

The deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (DCIAP)—A reconstructive option for the large composite oro-mandibular cutaneous defect

The deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap is often used for mandibular reconstruction but it is bulky and causes additional donor-site morbidity because of the inclusion of an “obligatory internal oblique muscle”. Large composite segmental mandibular resections that consist of floor of mouth, subtotal tongue, and adjacent facial skin are a challenge in terms of reconstruction. They often require 2 free flaps or a free scapular flap and both have disadvantages. The deep circumflex iliac artery perforator (DCIAP) flap with a cutaneous component overcomes the disadvantages. We describe reconstructions with DCIAP flaps in 3 patients with large mandibular composite segmental defects. We report our experience of the flap and discuss some of the difficulties we encountered and the points we learned perioperatively.     

延长颏下动脉穿支皮瓣血管蒂修复口腔颌面部缺损的临床应用

目的:本研究通过延长颏下动脉穿支皮瓣(submental artery perforator flap,SMAPF)血管蒂的3种方法修复口腔颌面部距供区较远的缺损,并对其可行性及临床效果评价.方法:选取自2019年1月—2021年2月于中国医科大学附属口腔医院颌面头颈肿瘤外科就诊并收治,行同侧颏下动脉穿支皮瓣手术修复口...     

游离腓骨肌-皮-筋膜复合瓣同期修复40例放射性下颌骨坏死术后缺损效果评价

目的： 探讨游离腓骨肌-皮-筋膜复合瓣在修复下颌骨放射性骨坏死（osteoradionecrosis of the jaws,ORNJ）术后软、硬组织缺损的应用价值。方法： 选择2014年3月—2017年7月间,中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院口腔颌面外科40例下颌骨 ORNJ患者,所有病例原发肿瘤均为鼻咽癌,排除鼻咽癌复发。以游离腓骨肌-皮-筋膜复合瓣重建放射性下颌骨坏死手术切除后的骨缺损,以皮岛修复皮肤软组织缺损,以筋膜修复口内黏膜缺损并充填软组织缺损的空腔,记录腓骨截骨、组织瓣存活情况,供区、受区并发症,术后开口度和余留牙咬合情况,对颌面部外形和功能进行评价。结果： 随访3～6个月,游离腓骨肌-皮-筋膜复合瓣重建下颌骨缺损均获成功。下颌骨截骨长度5.5～16.0 cm,切取腓骨长度7.5～17.0 cm。无1例发生严重供区或受区并发症,所有病例外形恢复良好,开口度1.0～3.5 cm,余留牙咬合正常。结论： 游离腓骨肌-皮-筋膜复合瓣能很好地即刻重建放射性下颌骨坏死术后颌面部软、硬组织缺损,降低手术并发症,值得临床推广应用。