胸大肌肌皮瓣在头颈肿瘤术后组织缺损修复中的应用

目的总结胸大肌肌皮瓣在头颈肿瘤术后组织缺损修复中的应用。方法回顾性总结2 0 0 7年1月～2 0 1 0年1 2月收治的3 6例患者因头颈部肿瘤手术后巨大组织缺损应用胸大肌肌皮瓣进行修复的临床资料。结果 32例(88.9%)胸大肌肌皮瓣完全存活,4例(11.1%)胸大肌肌皮瓣远端部分坏死。经换药、口腔护理等对症支持治疗后愈合。结论胸大肌肌皮瓣是一种临床应用广泛的修复材料。它具有丰富的组织量和确切的血液供应,修复操作简单,易存活,适用于头颈部肿瘤扩大切除术后组织缺损的即刻修复。     

Pectoralis major muscle flap use in a modern head and neck free flap practice

PurposePectoralis major muscle flaps (PMMF) are a commonly used reconstructive modality to repair head and neck defects. As the use of free flap reconstruction is increasingly practiced in the head and neck, the role of the PMMF may be changing as well. This study sought to analyze indications and outcomes for PMMF following head and neck resections from one surgeon's experience.Materials and methodsRetrospective review from December 1, 2013 through September 30, 2017 at a tertiary care academic medical center. Indications for the PMMF were examined as well as surgical outcomes. Basic demographic data, patient head and neck cancer history, history of radiation and/or chemotherapy, and history of previous reconstructive procedures were obtained and compared across all subjects.ResultsForty patients underwent a PMMF within the designated time frame. The majority of patients were male (83%) and the average age was 65 years (range 55.4–74.6 years). Of the 40 cases, 9 of the PMMFs were performed as primary reconstruction of the defect. In the remaining 31 cases, these flaps were utilized as a secondary reconstructive option following fistula formation (13), dehiscence (6), need for an additional flap for recurrent disease (6) infection (4), or major bleeding (2). In every case that it was utilized, the PMMF was the definitive reconstruction. Within the same time frame, 429 free flaps were performed by the same surgeon, with an average of 125 free flaps performed yearly. The rate of total flap failure overall was 3.9%. The other failed free flap reconstructive options used besides a PMMF were secondary free flaps (11), local wound care (4), or obturator placement (2). The secondary pectoralis flaps occurred following 7.2% of free flaps with total or partial failure that were performed within the same time range. The indications for the PMMF did not change or evolve during the time frame of the study.ConclusionsAlthough free flaps were performed with far greater frequency than PMMFs at our institution, the PMMF demonstrated continued utility as a secondary reconstructive option. For a surgeon who performs a high volume of free flaps, preservation of the pectoralis muscle and associated vasculature for possible later secondary reconstruction should be considered due to its strong efficacy.     

The changing role of pectoralis major flap in head and neck reconstruction

Although pectoralis major flap (PM flap) has been used as the workhorse flap in head and neck reconstruction, its use in head and neck defects seems to fall out of favour in the era of free tissue transfer. The aim of this review is to find out the role of PM flap in modern head and neck surgery. Medical records of patients who underwent PM flap reconstruction for head and neck defect in our division were reviewed. The age, gender, flap type, indication and complication rate were described. Between January 1998 and December 2008, 202 PM flaps were used for head and neck reconstruction in 192 patients. In the early study period (1998–June 2003), out of the 119 PM flap reconstructions, 106 (89%) were performed for immediate reconstruction after resection of head and neck tumour, while 10 (8%) were performed as salvage procedures for complication after tumour resection e.g. failure of free flap, pharyngocutaneous fistula. In the late study period (July 2003–2008), out of the 83 PM flap reconstructions, 58 (70%) were performed for immediate reconstruction, while 24 (29%) were performed as salvage procedures. For immediate reconstruction after tumour extirpation, 51 flaps (48%) were performed for reconstruction of the tongue in the early study period, while only 14 (24%) were performed in the late study period. The number of PM flap used for immediate reconstruction for other head and neck defects remained relatively static throughout the two study periods. Over the study period, there were 10 (5%) cases of partial flap necrosis and 2 (1%) total flap loss, making the overall flap necrosis rate 6%. In the era of free tissue transfer, the role of PM flap in head and neck surgery has shifted from immediate reconstruction to salvage operation. However, PM flap still has an unique role in the repair of certain head and neck defects.     

Reconstrucción de cabeza y cuello mediante colgajos libres microvascularizados. Indicaciones,aspectos técnicos y resultados

Introduction and objectivesThe use of microvascular free flaps (MFF) has become a common method of head and neck reconstruction because of its high success rates and better functional results. We report our experience in reconstructing complex defects with MFF.MethodsWe analysed a series of 246 patients that underwent reconstruction using MFF in our Department from 1991 to 2013.ResultsThere were 259 interventions performed in 246 patients. The most common reason for surgery was tumour recurrence (46%), followed by primary tumour resection (25%). The hypopharynx (52%) and the craniofacial region (22%) were the most frequently reconstructed sites. The free flaps most commonly used were the radial forearm free flap (41%) and the anterolateral thigh free flap (35%). Overall success and complication rates of 92% and 20% respectively were reported.ConclusionsThe microvascular free flap is a reliable and useful tool for reconstructing complex head and neck defects and continues to be the reconstructive modality of choice for these defects.     

Analysis of outcome and complications in 400 cases of microvascular head and neck reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and causes of perioperative complications in patients who undergo microvascular free flap procedures for reconstruction of the head and neck. SETTING: Academic tertiary care medical center.Patients and METHODS: A total of 400 consecutive microvascular free flap procedures were performed for reconstruction of the head and neck, with 95% of the defects arising after the treatment of malignancies. Flap donor sites included radial forearm (n = 183), fibula (n = 145), rectus abdominis (n = 38), subscapular system (n = 28), iliac crest (n = 5), and a jejunal flap. Patient-related characteristics (age; sex; diagnosis; comorbidity level; tumor stage; defect site; primary vs secondary reconstruction; and history of surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy) and the incidence of perioperative complications were recorded prospectively over a 7-year period. RESULTS: The perioperative mortality was 1.3%. Overall, perioperative complications occurred in 36.1% of all cases. Free flaps proved to be extremely reliable, with a 0.8% incidence of free flap failure and a 3% incidence of partial flap necrosis. Perioperative medical complications occurred in 20.5% of cases, with pulmonary, cardiac, and infectious complications predominating. Multivariate statistical analysis showed significant relationships between the incidence of perioperative complications and preoperative comorbidity level as indicated by American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status (P =.02). CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms that free flaps are extremely reliable in achieving successful reconstruction of the head and neck. The incidence of perioperative complications is related to preoperative comorbidity level.     

The anterolateral thigh flap: radial forearm's "big brother" for extensive soft tissue head and neck defects

OBJECTIVE: The anterolateral thigh flap has recently been rediscovered in Asia as a perforator flap. The objective of this study was to describe the reliability and donor morbidity of the anterolateral thigh flap for head and neck reconstruction without transmuscular perforator dissection. DESIGN: Consecutive case series by a single surgeon. SETTING: A regional tertiary-referral head, neck, and skull base surgical oncology center. PATIENTS: The first 34 consecutive patients. INTERVENTION: Microvascular reconstruction with an anterolateral thigh free flap. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary insufficiency, partial necrosis, complete necrosis, and donor morbidity rates. RESULTS: Two flaps necrosed partially (6%). No flaps demonstrated primary insufficiency, necrosed completely, or incurred significant donor morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The anterolateral thigh flap can be reliably harvested without transmuscular perforator dissection and without incurring serious donor morbidity. It possesses workhorse attributes (no repositioning, remote from defect, long pedicle) and is extremely versatile (one is able to independently tailor the skin and muscle), making it ideal for the heterogeneous group of extensive soft tissue head and neck defects. When a forearm flap will likely be too thin or too morbid, the anterolateral thigh flap can be considered its "big brother."     

Der infraklavikuläre Durchzug des M.-pectoralis-major-Lappens

BACKGROUND: The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) is an important reconstructive tool for lesions in the head and neck region. Using the supraclavicular route, the PMMF reliably transfers large amounts of well-vascularized skin and muscle into defects of the upper aerodigestive tract. However, limited length and arc of rotation as well as excessive bulk can be problematic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the current study, these problems have been addressed by passing the pedicle deeply to the clavicle. Following flap harvest, the pedicle was passed in the subclavicular plane in 15 head and neck cancer patients for primary and secondary reconstruction. RESULTS: Using this route it was possible to increase the medium length of PMMF to 3 cm compared to the supraclavicular route. No total flap necrosis occurred, however, temporary complications were observed in three of 15 cases (20%)--partial flap necrosis occurred in two cases and fistula formation was observed in one case. This rate is in accordance with complication rates described for the supraclavicular route. However, in long-term follow-ups we observed a fracture of the clavicle in two patients in whom, in contrast to the others, the periostium was not only prepared posteriorly but over the whole circumference. CONCLUSIONS: The subclavicular route for PMMF increases the length and arc of rotation available for reconstruction without compromising vascular supply to a higher degree than with the conventional supraclavicular route. Furthermore, this concept decreases the bulk of the PMMF pedicle which is functionally and cosmetically favourable. Thus, the subclavicular route of PMMF is safe and allows an extension of the reconstructive possibilities.     

The free vascularized flap and the flap plate options: comparative results of reconstruction of lateral mandibular defects

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Reconstruction of the mandible and oral cavity after segmental resection is a challenging surgical problem. Although osteocutaneous free flaps are generally accepted to be optimal for reconstruction of anterior defects, the need for bony reconstruction for a pure lateral mandibular defect remains controversial. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study of short- and long-term outcomes of three different reconstruction techniques for lateral defects was performed. In total, 57 patients were included, of whom 27 had a plate and pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF group), 16 had a plate and free radial forearm flap (FRFF group), and 14 had an osteocutaneous free flap. Functionality, flap failure, and complications were scored. RESULTS: Plates had to be removed in 7 of the 27 patients in the PMMF group and 2 of the 16 in the FRFF group; none of the 14 osteocutaneous free flaps failed. The difference was of borderline statistical significance (P = .055). Longterm functional outcome revealed no statistically significant difference in oral deglutition (P = .76) or in facial contour (P = .36). Oral continence was significantly better in patients in the FRFF group (88%) as compared with the PMMF group (52%) or the osteocutaneous free flap group (43%) (P = .02). On the other hand, the results for speech favored the osteocutaneous free flap group; 13 of 14 patients (92.9%) had a normal score compared with 12 of 16 patients (75%) in the FRFF group and 17 of 27 (63%) in the PMMF group. However, this represented a borderline statistically significant result (P = .06). CONCLUSIONS: For lateral mandibular defects, the osteocutaneous free flap is reliable and durable in the long term. However, in a selected group of patients either of the two flap-plate options is a viable reconstructive option.     

头颈肿瘤术后缺损修复的现状与展望

目的目前头颈肿瘤术后缺损修复的主力皮瓣是穿支皮瓣，前臂皮瓣和股前外侧皮瓣则应用最为广泛。最近头颈邻近皮瓣得到重新开发和利用，包括锁骨上动脉皮瓣、胸肩峰动脉穿支皮瓣和颏下皮瓣，成为头颈部缺损修复新的热点。头颈修复在向着数字化、精准化方向发展的同时，供区功能的保留和受区器官功能重建也是未来发展的方向。近年来，组织工程学、活体组织器官的复合打印技术作为3D打印在头颈修复的潜在应用也得到了广泛探索。     

Unsurpassed reliability of free flaps for head and neck reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: To review the outcome and incidence of perioperative complications in patients undergoing microvascular free flaps for reconstruction of the head and neck region. DESIGN: A prospective case series. SETTING: An academic tertiary care otolaryngology-head and neck surgery program. PATIENTS: One hundred fifteen patients who underwent 119 consecutive free flaps performed by 1 surgeon during a 32-month period. INTERVENTIONS: Reconstruction primarily by means of radial forearm, fibula, and rectus abdominis flaps (95% of the flaps selected for reconstruction). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The incidence of perioperative reconstructive and medical complications. RESULTS: There was 1 perioperative death (0.8%). Among the surviving patients, there was 1 case of complete flap failure, resulting in an overall flap survival of 99.2%. There were 2 additional cases (1.8%) of partial flap necrosis. Perioperative reconstructive complications occurred during 10.1% of the hospitalizations, half of which required additional surgical intervention. Notable perioperative medical complications occurred in 17.1% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their reliance on small-vessel anastomoses for survival, free flaps are extremely reliable with regard to the incidence of flap necrosis, which contributes to a low incidence of perioperative complications. Selection of flaps that have proven dependability contributes to a successful outcome. While this technique frequently requires lengthy surgery in an elderly patient population, the perioperative mortality) and morbidity are acceptable. Because of their unsurpassed reliability, free flaps have become the preferred method of reconstruction for most patients with major defects in the head and neck region.     

颞浅血管为蒂的帽状腱膜瓣修复头颈肿瘤术后缺损

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the advantage and applications of pedicled galeal flap in head and neck region. METHODS: A consecutive series of 17 patients underwent surgical reconstruction with pedicled galeal flaps after head and neck tumor resection. The defects included nasopharynx, skull base, maxilla, orbital base, oropharynx and oral cavity and the size ranged from 5 cm x 5 cm to 10 cm x 10 cm. The technique for using this flap was described and application was illustrated with 3 case reports. RESULTS: Complete success of galeal flaps for the reconstruction of head and neck defects was achieved in 13 of the 17 cases (76.5%) and partial necrosis was observed in the remaining 4 cases (23.4%). Immediate wound complications occurred in four cases, which resolved spontaneously. Four delayed complications were observed in 4 of 9 survival cases that included trismus (3) and alopecia (1). CONCLUSION: Galeal flap is a thin, pliable and well vascularised reconstruction tissue and is highly reliable. The donor site morbidity is minor. We have found the flap to be useful in the reconstruction of a variety of defects in head and neck, especially in skull base, orbital base, nasopharynx and oropharynx.     

Management of complications and compromised free flaps following major head and neck surgery

Microvascular free flaps are preferred for most major head and neck reconstruction surgeries because of better functional outcomes, improved esthetics, and generally higher success rates. Numerous studies have investigated measures to prevent flap loss, but few have evaluated the optimal treatment for free flap complications. This study aimed to determine the complication rate after free flap reconstructions and discusses our management strategies. Medical records of 260 consecutive patients who underwent free flap reconstructions for head and neck defects between July 2006 and June 2010 were retrospectively reviewed for patient and surgical characteristics and postoperative complications. The results revealed that microvascular free flaps were extremely reliable, with a 3.5 % incidence of flap failure. There were 78 surgical site complications. The most common complication was neck wound infection, followed by dehiscence, vascular congestion, abscess, flap necrosis, hematoma, osteoradionecrosis, and brisk bleeding. Twenty patients with poor wound healing received hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which was ineffective in three patients who eventually experienced complete flap loss. Eleven patients with vascular congestion underwent medicinal leech therapy, which was effective. Among the 78 patients with complications, 44 required repeat surgery, which was performed for postoperative brisk bleeding in three. Eventually, ten patients experienced partial flap loss and nine experienced complete flap loss, with the latter requiring subsequent pectoralis major flap reconstruction. Microvascular free flap reconstruction represents an essential and reliable technique for head and neck defects and allows surgeons to perform radical resection with satisfactory functional results and acceptable complication rates.     

Versatilidad del colgajo microvascularizado antebraquial radial en la reconstrucción de cabeza y cuello. Una serie de 58 casos

IntroductionThe radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is a widely used tool in head and neck reconstructive surgery. It stands out as a relatively simple flap to achieve; it is versatile and has features that enable the reconstruction of complex head and neck defects. The aim of the study was to present our results using the RFFF in the reconstruction of seated defects in the head and neck area.Material and methodsA retrospective, observational and analytical study that included 58 cases of RFFF interventions, performed between January 2002 and July 2019. The data studied were the age and sex of the patients, location of the tumour, histological type, previous radiation therapy, number of venous anastomoses performed in the surgery and body temperature in the immediate postoperative period, at 24 and 48 hours following surgery.ResultsThe percentage of viable RFFF was 82.8%. None of the variables analysed appear to be a risk factor for flap failure. The most frequent cause of flap failure was venous thrombosis.ConclusionsMicrovascularised flaps play an important role in reconstructive surgery, being the RFFF one of the most interesting for head and neck reconstruction. It is a very versatile tool that allows the reconstruction of many of the sites where the head and neck surgeon operates.     

游离组织瓣移植修复头颈部肿瘤术后组织缺损的临床分析

目的探讨吻合血管的游离组织瓣在头颈肿瘤术后组织缺损修复中的应用。方法2 0 0 3年5月～2 0 1 2年4月收集头颈肿瘤术后组织缺损患者1 0 0例,其中口腔4 7例,口咽部1 6例,下颌骨9例,颌面部20例,颈部6例,项背部2例;所有患者应用吻合血管的游离组织瓣(101处)修复组织缺损,其中游离前臂皮瓣61处,游离背阔肌皮瓣18处,游离腓骨肌皮瓣7处,游离腹肌穿支皮瓣2处,游离股前外侧皮瓣1 0处,游离髂骨肌瓣2处,游离肩胛皮瓣1处;观察游离组织瓣修复组织缺损处后的愈合情况。结果术后随访2个月至5年,患者术后外形及功能均恢复正常,101处游离组织瓣术后成活98处,坏死3处,成功率97.03%。受区和供区的并发症12/101(11.8%)。结论游离组织瓣移植在头颈外科修复中应用安全灵活且可供选择的组织瓣多,提高了患者的生存质量。     

Head and neck reconstruction with free flaps: a report on 213 cases

The aim of this retrospective study is to review the experience of our institution in performing microvascular head and neck reconstruction between 2000 and 2004. During this period, 213 free flaps, including 146 radial forearm free flaps, 60 fibular flaps and 7 scapular flaps, were performed. Free flap success rate and complications were reported. The pre-treatment factors influencing these results were subsequently analyzed. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by the same clinician. There were 14 free flap failures, giving an overall free flap success rate of 93.4%. Salvage surgery for recurrent cancer was the only factor correlated with a higher risk of free flap failure (P = 0.0004). The local complication rate was 20.9%. High level of comorbidity (P = 0.009), salvage surgery for recurrent cancer (P = 0.03) and hypopharyngeal surgery (P = 0.002) were associated with a higher risk of local complications. An unrestricted oral diet and an intelligible speech were recovered by respectively 76 and 88% of the patients. Microvascular free flaps represent an essential and reliable technique for head neck reconstruction and allow satisfactory functional results.     

Results of free flap reconstruction for patients aged 80 years or older with head and neck cancer

ObjectiveFree flap reconstruction in elderly patients is one of the most challenging surgeries in the treatment of head and neck cancers. The aim of this study was to examine the oncological and functional outcomes of free flap reconstruction for elderly patients with head and neck cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed elderly patients who underwent free flap reconstruction for the treatment of head and neck cancers. All patients were 80 years or older. Clinicopathologic features, surgical procedures, oncological and functional outcomes were obtained from medical records.ResultsFree flap reconstructions were performed in 13 patients (3 female, 10 male). The mean age was 82.6 ± 3.4 years (range: 80–91). The mean follow-up period was 23.3 months (range 4–41 months). The mean disease-free survival was 49 ± 6 months (range 4–60 months). All patients had been alive more than one year after surgery. Reconstruction was performed using free jejunum in 10 patients and radial forearm flap in 3 patients. Graft necrosis occurred in 2 patients. Other two patients experienced major postoperative medical complications.ConclusionFree flap reconstruction in well-selected older adults is safe and effective. Advanced age should not preclude consideration of free flap reconstruction in those patients.     

Complications following reconstruction with the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap: the effect of prior radiation therapy.

Over the past 5 years, 40 patients with head and neck cancer underwent pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) reconstruction following radical ablative surgery. Twenty-three patients received prior radiation therapy (55 to 70.2 Gy), while 17 patients had no radiation preoperatively. Thirty-five percent of the irradiated patients had flap-related complications, compared to 47% of the nonirradiated patients (P = .52, not statistically significant [NSS]). There were no reoperations and no operative deaths in either group. There was 1 fistula in each group, both of which closed with conservative management. The PMMF for head and neck reconstruction is well tolerated following radiation therapy and has shown comparable morbidity in patients who have not undergone prior radiation.     

Parascapular free flaps in skin malignancies

This study was a retrospective review of a case series of nine patients, aged 40 to 83 years, presenting to the head and neck cancer department at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, with a diagnosis of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), requiring reconstruction after surgical resection. In this group of patients, parascapular fasciocutaneous free flaps proved to be a safe, reliable, and cosmetically effective choice for reconstruction of head and neck skin cancer defects. Choosing donor tissue from a relatively non-sun exposed area can prevent potential development of new malignancies that may arise from donor sites using sun-exposed skin. We discuss the benefits and versatility of the parascapular fasciocutaneous free flap and our experience in using this flap to reconstruct complex surgical defects.     

Assessment of swallowing function after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy. A multicenter study by the GETTEC group

Objective

Circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy is performed for advanced pharyngeal tumor or in a context of postradiation recurrence. Several free or pedicle flaps have been described for pharyngeal defect reconstruction, with choice at the surgeon's discretion. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term swallowing function according to the type of flap used for reconstruction.

Utilidad y versatilidad del colgajo en isla de la arteria supraclavicular en reconstrucción de cabeza y cuello

Introduction

The supraclavicular island flap is a rotational pedicled flap and may have some advantages in head and neck reconstruction compared with free-tissue transfer when this kind of reconstruction is not affordable or recommended.