The Rintala flap: a versatile procedure for nasal reconstruction

Introduction

For the nasal reconstruction, local flap using the adjacent tissue is selected from an esthetic viewpoint. The Rintala flap is a useful option, and reconstruction of the glabellar over the nasal tip with this flap is ideal, for which the procedure was modified to increase the blood flow to the Rintala flap to extend its clinical applications.

Methods

For defects of the glabellar over the middle one third of nasal dorsum, the Rintala flap is transferred employing the original design and technique dissected on supraperiosteal plane. For defects of the lower one third of nasal dorsum over the nasal tip, blood supply through the lateral nasal artery is added to the distal end of the flap, preparing a long flap with stable blood supply like Maruyama described in 1997.

Results

This procedure was applied for nasal reconstruction in 15 patients. The Rintala flap was applied in 12 and the modified Rintala flap with adding blood flow from the lateral nasal artery was applied in 3. Blood supply to the flap was very stable in all patients, and favorable outcomes were achieved.

Conclusions

Using this procedure, the natural contour and morphology of the glabellar over the nasal tip may be reconstructed. The technique is simple and easy. Using this procedure, clinical applications of the Rintala flap can be extended, showing that it is a useful nasal reconstructive procedure.     

Analysis of 59 cases with free flap thrombosis after reconstructive surgery for head and neck cancer

Objective

There have been few reports addressing methods of dealing with free flap thrombosis after reconstructive surgery for head and neck cancer. The present study, through a detailed analysis of the subsequent course of patients who developed postoperative flap thrombosis, aims to clarify possible methods of salvage surgery in the event of vascular occlusion despite rigorous postoperative follow-up.

Methods

We analyzed 59 cases of postoperative thrombosis in 1031 patients who underwent free flap transfer and considered the most appropriate salvage surgery in the event of total flap necrosis.

Results

The flap salvage rate through vascular reanastomosis was highest for radial forearm flaps, with salvage of jejunal flaps being problematic if postoperative thrombosis occurred. For cases of postoperative thrombosis among patients who underwent reconstruction using a jejunal flap, the period of hospitalization was significantly extended for those patients in whom a second jejunal flap grafting was impossible. For cases of postoperative thrombosis among patients who underwent reconstruction using a radial forearm flap (FA), rectus abdominis flap (RA), or anterior lateral thigh flap (ALT), no significant difference was observed between those undergoing re-grafting with a free flap and those with a pedicled flap.

Conclusion

We concluded that, among patients who undergo reconstruction using a jejunal flap, thrombosis should be discovered at an early stage to enable another jejunal flap re-grafting. For patients who undergo reconstruction using a FA, RA, or ALT, if thrombosis can be discovered at an early stage, there is a possibility of salvaging the flap by means of vascular reanastomosis. If it should prove impossible to salvage the flap, however, primary suture of the defect or reconstruction with a pedicled flap may also be considered.     

Vacuum assisted closure in the management of wound healing disorders in the head and neck: A retrospective analysis of 23 cases

Background

Since the middle of the 1990s vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) has been used in many areas of surgery to manage complex wounds and impaired wound healing. Until recently, little attention has been paid to this treatment modality in the field of head and neck surgery. The evaluation of its efficacy in wound healing disorders of the head and neck was the aim of this study.

Material and methods

Patients with complex wounds and impaired healing treated with VAC therapy between 2008 and 2011 were included into the study. VAC dressings were changed every 3 days and improvements in wound healing were documented.

Results

23 patients were treated with VAC therapy, in 18 cases (78%) closure of the defect could be reached without any further surgical procedure. 5 patients needed subsequent regional flap reconstruction to close the remaining defect. All of these patients had undergone salvage surgery in a previously irradiated neck before.

Conclusion

Vacuum assisted closure is an effective treatment in the management of wound healing disorders and complex wounds in the head and neck. It offers a useful, non-invasive modality to close even large defects in the area. Previous irradiation seems to have a significant negative influence on the outcome of the therapy, but more data are required to assess these effects.     

Flap outcomes when training residents in microvascular anastomosis in the head and neck

Objective

Microvascular anastomosis is generally performed by attending surgeons or fellows, with published success rates > 95%. Since otolaryngology residents do not typically perform microvascular anastomosis, it is unknown if they achieve similar results. The objective of this study is to determine the success rate and complication rate during free flap reconstruction when microvascular anastomosis is performed in part by otolaryngology chief residents.

Study Design

Multi-institutional retrospective review.

Setting

Academic, tertiary-care referral centers.

Subjects and Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction by the Department of Otolaryngology from 2004 through 2011. All patients had > 50% of the arterial and venous anastomoses performed by the chief resident.

Results

The study included 93 consecutive free flaps in 88 patients: 43 radial forearm, 14 anterolateral thigh, and 36 fibula. There were 71 males and 22 females with mean age of 53. The pre-operative diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in 78%, with 27% of patients having previously received radiotherapy and 13% of patients having had previous neck surgery. There were no instances when resident-placed sutures required revision, nor was there a perceived need to revise such an anastomosis intraoperatively. Overall flap success rate was 97%. The anastomotic complication rate was 4.3%, with venous thrombosis in three cases and arterial hemorrhage in one case.

Conclusion

Overall free flap success rate and anastomosis-related complications with residents performing portions of the microvascular anastomosis are comparable to published studies. Otolaryngology chief residents can safely participate in microsuturing, which is a single facet in the broader skill set of a microvascular surgeon.     

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.

Nasal downward swing approach coupled with the facial dismasking flap

Objective

For the purpose of an en bloc resection with sufficient margins, a wide surgical field is necessary. We have reported on the application of a facial dismasking flap for removals of craniofacial lesions in order to provide a better surgical field with less morbidity. In this paper, we are introducing a new method, which is called the “nasal downward swing approach”.

Methods

This approach is a modification of the facial dismaking flap, which elevates the nasal bone along with the facial skin.

Results

This approach offers an extremely wide surgical field on the facial front, especially the nasal cavity, while keeping scarring or facial paresis down to a bare minimum.

Conclusion

This approach helps to preserve the entire shape of the nasal bone in particular, therefore, a good surgical option for pediatric patients.     

Results of Free Flap Reconstruction After Ablative Surgery in the Head and Neck

Objectives

Due to the complex anatomy and function of the head and neck region, the reconstruction of ablative defects in this area is challenging. In addition, an increasing interest in improving the quality of life of patients and achieving good functional results has highlighted the importance of free flaps. The aim of this study was to summarize the results of free flap reconstruction and salvage of free flaps in a single institute, and to analyze differences in the results by the flap donor site, recipient site, and learning curve.

Methods

The medical records of patients who underwent free flap reconstruction from 2004-2012 were reviewed retrospectively. One hundred and fifty free flaps were used in 134 patients, who had an average age of 57.7 years. The types of flaps applied, primary defect sites, success rates, results of salvage operations for compromised flap, and the learning curve were analyzed.

Results

The anterolateral thigh flap was preferred for the reconstruction of head and neck defects. The overall success rate was 90.7%, with 14 cases of failure. A total of 19 salvage operations (12.7%) for compromised flap were performed, and 12 flaps (63.2%) were salvaged successfully. Dependency on the facial vessels as recipient vessels was statistically different when oral and oropharyngeal defects were compared to hypopharyngeal and laryngeal defects. The learning curve for microvascular surgery showed decrease in the failure rate after 50 cases.

Conclusion

The free flap technique is safe but involves a significant learning period and requires careful postoperative monitoring of the patient. Early intervention is important for the salvage of free flaps and for lowering the failure rate.     

Modified fronto-lateral laryngectomy in treatment of glottic T1(a-b) cancer with anterior commissure involvement

Objective

Evaluation of clinical and oncological safety of the modified fronto-lateral laryngectomy in the treatment of T1a-b glottic cancer.

Methods

Retrospective review of charts of patients managed with classical fronto-lateral laryngectomy or with our modified technique using a cervical fascia flap and a false cord flap to reconstruct the defect.

Results

No recurrence of cancer was observed in the present series and slight dysphonia was present in all cases. The patients managed with classical technique required a revision surgery for granulations or anterior synechia in 4 cases; those managed with modified technique did not need a second intervention.

Conclusion

The fronto-lateral laryngectomy should be present in the head-neck surgeon armamentarium. In T1a-b glottic cancer this technique gives a good oncological resection, but the postoperative period requires an intensive rehabilitation process. The modification of the classical technique reduces the incidence of a second intervention.     

Comparison of surgical outcomes of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with or without mucosal flaps

Objective

The goals of this study were to evaluate the long-term results of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with or without a posterior mucosal flap and to compare the surgical success rates of that procedure in patients with a nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively investigated the results of 78 endoscopic endonasal DCRs performed at the Baskent University, Department of Otolaryngology between December 2000 and March 2007 on 74 patients with a lacrimal obstruction. The patients were divided into two groups. During surgery, the posterior mucosal flap was preserved in 27 patients (group A) and removed in 47 patients (group B). All patients underwent intubation with a silicone tube at the conclusion of surgery. The silicone tube was removed within 6 months after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 36 months (range, 2–78 months). The results obtained were then compared.

Results

Granulation tissue and synechia developed between the lateral nasal wall and the middle turbinate in one patient in group A (revision surgery was not required). In group B, granulation tissue at the rhinostomy opening was found in seven patients, and in four of those subjects, the granulation tissue obstructed the neo-ostium. These four patients underwent a second operation. In group B, synechia was noted between the middle turbinate and the lateral nasal wall in two of 47 patients. In group A, the procedure was successful for all patients except one in whom granulation tissue developed, and in group B, the surgical success rate was 88.3%.

Conclusion

In endoscopic endonasal DCR, the closure of bare bone with a posteriorly based nasal mucosal flap that creates an anastomosis between the lacrimal sac mucosa and the nasal mucosa decreases the formation of granulation tissue. But, there is no significant difference of success rate between two groups.     

Hypopharyngeal mucosal flap reconstruction in endoscopic supraglottic laryngectomy

Purpose

Preservation of voice, swallowing and airway is mandatory in early to moderately advanced supraglottic cancers. Here, we propose an endoscopic laryngoplasty to improve swallowing recovery in patients treated by extended CO₂ laser supraglottic laryngectomy.

Methods

We describe a new mucosal flap reconstruction technique in a cohort of seven laryngeal cancer patients with posterior extension, treated by CO₂ laser resection. Clinical endoscopic and videofluoroscopy postoperative exams were performed, and swallow function was tested by the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire.

Results

No early complications were observed. Absence of aspiration after two days in all cases was confirmed, and MDADI mean value result was 98.

Conclusions

We suggest the harvest of a hypopharyngeal mucosal flap in all patients who require a laryngeal supraglottic posterior resection, with or without arytenoidectomy.     

鼻整形术后感染导致局部组织缺损的早期皮瓣修复

目的：探讨鼻整形术后感染导致鼻组织缺损行早期皮瓣修复的可能性、手术时机及手术方法。方法：11例鼻整形术后感染患者，依照鼻整形手术亚单位原则，共行15例次早期皮瓣修复。缺损类型包括鼻背、鼻尖、鼻尖瘘孔；缺损面积1．5cm×1．2cm～2．0cm×2．5cm，瘘孔直径0．6～0．9cm。皮瓣类型包括鼻背瓣、菱形瓣和鼻小柱鼻尖瓣。观察修复后早期出现的鼻部结构改变及手术效果维持情况。结果：15例次皮瓣均Ⅰ期愈合。随访4～27个月，鼻外形及视觉效果良好，修复组织与周围皮肤在色泽、质地、光化性损害程度等方面匹配良好。2例鼻尖出现结构不对称，行皮下注射填充后解剖结构恢复。结论：依照鼻整形手术亚单位原则，早期合理选择个体化皮瓣修复方式，可获得较好的鼻功能性及美学效果，恢复患者社会生活交流能力。     

Early harvesting of the vascularized pedicled nasoseptal flap during endoscopic skull base surgery

Purpose

The vascularized pedicled nasoseptal flap (PNSF) represents a successful option for reconstruction of large skull base defects after expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA). This vascularized flap can be harvested early or late in the operation depending on the anticipation of high-flow CSF leaks. Each harvesting technique (early vs. late) is associated with different advantages and disadvantages. In this study, we evaluate our experience with early harvesting of the PNSF for repair of large skull base defects after EEA.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed at a tertiary care medical center on patients who underwent early PNSF harvesting during reconstruction of intraoperative high-flow CSF leaks after EEA between December 2008 and March 2012. Demographic data, repair materials, surgical approach, and incidence of PNSF usage were collected.

Results

Eighty-seven patients meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. In 86 procedures (98.9%), the PNSF harvested at the beginning of the operation was used. In 1 case (1.1%), the PNSF was not used because a high-flow intraoperative CSF leak was not encountered. This patient had recurrence of intradural disease 8 months later, and the previously elevated PNSF was subsequent used after tumor resection.

Conclusion

Based on our data, a high-flow CSF leak and need for a PNSF can be accurately anticipated in patients undergoing EEA for skull base lesions. Because of the advantages of early harvesting of the PNSF and the high preoperative predictive value of CSF leak anticipations, this technique represents a feasible harvesting practice for EEA surgeries.     

Chronic oroantral fistula: Combined endoscopic and intraoral approach under local anesthesia

Objective

To evaluate the outcome of combined surgical treatment of oroantral communications associated with chronic maxillary sinusitis.

Patients and methods

8 consecutive patients affected by complicated oroantral fistula were included in the study. The protocol consisted of: clinical, endoscopic and radiological preoperative evaluation (panoramic tomogram and computed tomography); systemic antibiotic and steroid therapy 2 weeks before surgery; one-stage surgical procedure under local anaesthesia consisting in uncinectomy with enlargement of the osteomeatal complex through endoscopic nasal approach associated with the closure of the oroantral communication by means of a mucoperiosteal flap; postoperative antibiotic and cortisone-based therapy. Follow-up consisted of weekly clinical evaluation during the first month, and nasal endoscopy at 3, 8 and 24 weeks after surgery.

Results

After surgical treatment, all patients were symptom-free and had no endoscopic and radiological evidences of maxillary sinusitis at the 6-month follow-up. No recurrent oroantral fistulas were found.

Conclusions

The current prospective study showed that a one-stage, combined endoscopic and intraoral approach under local anaesthesia represents a feasible and minimally invasive procedure for the long-term effective treatment of chronic complicated oroantral communications. Moreover, it represents an easily applicable approach also in outpatient clinics with minor patient discomfort.     

Surgical management of temporal bone osteoradionecrosis: Single surgeon experience of 47 cases

Purpose

To report the outcomes of 47 patients with temporal bone osteoradionecrosis treated primarily with surgical resection in order to analyze whether flap type and hyperbaric oxygen use affect wound breakdown.

Management of cerebrospinal fluid leak during endoscopic pituitary surgery

Objective

Dural opening and closures are major steps in endoscopic pituitary surgery. Restoring the normal anatomy at the end of the procedure creates a natural barrier between the intrasellar compartment and the sinonasal cavity.

Methods

In this study, we present a relatively simple dural opening and closure technique for endoscopic pituitary surgery. This technique provides a better alternative to the use of a more complex nasoseptal flap or the multilevel closure with artificial materials as it restores the normal anatomy after the tumor removal and provides a better physiological barrier between the sinonasal cavity and the intrasellar compartment. Incision is performed in circular or horseshoe fashion leaving a small peduncle, and then the dura is reflected.

Results

Of the 733 endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures in 667 patients conducted between January 2006 and May 2012, we used this described technique in 50 cases (7.4%). In these 50 cases with dural flap, there was no postoperative CSF leakage. Intraoperative CSF leakage was observed in 135 (20.2%) of the 667 patients. In 15 (11.1%) of these 135 patients we used the dural flap technique accompanied with fat and/or fascia lata support. There was no postoperative leakage in these patients. In the remaining 120 (89.9%) patients who had intraoperative CSF leakage, we used fat and/or fascia lata for the reconstruction of the sella floor. But we observed postoperative CSF leakage in 12 (10%) of the 120 patients without the dural flap which were reoperated.

Conclusion

The dural flap technique we employ has several advantages. First of all, it allows optimal physiological reconstruction after the surgery. Secondly, the bridge between the flap and the main dura helps maintain the vascular supply, which in turn can radically shorten the healing time. Thirdly, this technique is obviously a better alternative to the time consuming and expensive multilevel closures with tissue sealants and artificial grafts.     

Epicutaneous patch test—A new diagnostic option to prevent the rejection of silicone-covered cochlear implants in children

Objectives

Cochlear implantation (CI) is a revolutionary method for hearing rehabilitation in patients with severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss. One of the surgical complications may be the necrosis of the skin flap above the receiver-stimulator coil, resulting in device extrusion. Our aim was to find the plausible causes of the silicone covered implant rejection.

Patients and methods

Authors present four cases of cochlear implant rejection, briefly describe their dermato-surgical solutions and analyse their innovative method – the epicutanoeus patch testing with silicone samples.

Results

They observed positive skin reaction in three of the four cases.

Conclusion

Authors analyse the applicability and results of their surgical solutions and the epicutaneous testing in connection with the prevention of skin flap necrosis and rejection of silicone-covered cochlear implants.     

Office-based tracheoesophageal puncture: Updates in techniques and outcomes

Purpose

Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) is an effective rehabilitation method for postlaryngectomy speech and has already been described as a procedure that is safely performed in the office. We review our long-term experience with office-based TEP over the past 7 years in the largest cohort published to date.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent TEP by a single surgeon from 2005 through 2012, including office-based and operating room procedures. Indications for the chosen technique (office versus operating room) and surgical outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Fifty-nine patients underwent 72 TEP procedures, with 55 performed in the outpatient setting and 17 performed in the operating room, all without complication. The indications for performing TEPs in the operating room included 2 primary TEPs, 14 due to concomitant procedures requiring general anesthesia, and 1 due to failed attempt at office-based TEP. Nineteen patients with prior rotational or free flap reconstruction successfully underwent office-based TEP.

Conclusions

TEP in an office-based setting with immediate voice prosthesis placement continues to be a safe method of voice rehabilitation for postlaryngectomy patients, including those who have previously undergone free flap or rotational flap reconstruction. Office-based TEP is now our primary approach for postlaryngectomy voice rehabilitation.     

Early resection and reconstruction of head and neck masses in infants with upper airway obstruction

Objective

Congenital airway obstruction can be caused by tumors or lesions arising from the neck, tongue and oral cavity. Neonates may require prolonged intubation or tracheostomy before curative resection and reconstruction. The aim of the study was to carry out surgical resection and reconstruction with locoregional flap and free bone graft in the neonatal and early infantile period for definitive management of head and neck masses and treatment of potential airway obstruction.

Methods

Newborns with obstructive head and neck masses in Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong Medical Centre between 2006 and 2009 were operated on in the neonatal period.

Results

There were one obstructive neck teratoma, two intraoral teratomas and one neuroglial heterotopia. All tumors were resected within the first 3 months of life without major complication. A local cervical cutaneous flap was first used to reconstruct the lateral pharyngeal wall defect in a neonate with a huge neck teratoma, followed by another infant with a neuroglial heterotopia. A piece of cranial bone was used for reconstruction of the skull base defect. None of them required tracheostomy or prolonged intubation. Oral feeding was resumed in the early postoperative period.

Conclusion

Surgical resection and reconstruction with locoregional flap and bone graft can be performed safely in neonatal and early infantile period as management of head and neck masses and treatment of upper airway obstruction.     

局部皮瓣在修复外鼻小面积皮肤缺损中的应用

目的：探讨应用外鼻临近局部皮瓣修复外鼻小面积缺损的方法与临床疗效。方法：42例鼻小面积缺损（直径〈2cm）的患者分别应用外鼻局部皮瓣（鼻背瓣、鼻唇沟瓣和双叶瓣）修复。皮肤恶性肿瘤切除后缺损38例,皮肤其他良性病变4例,缺损直径1～2cm。鼻尖缺损7例采用鼻背旋转皮瓣一期修复;鼻侧部缺损30例采用鼻唇沟瓣修复,其中使用岛状鼻唇沟瓣一期修复7例,插补式皮瓣二期修复18例,滑行瓣修复5例;鼻侧上方缺损5例采用双叶瓣一期修复。结果：所有患者均修复成功,组织皮瓣全部成活。患者平均随访3个月～2年,肿瘤无复发。结论：外鼻局部皮瓣如鼻背瓣、鼻唇沟瓣和双叶瓣是修复鼻部小面积皮肤缺损的有效方法,疗效满意。