Head and neck reconstruction: a review of 117 cases

The reconstruction of defects of the head and neck, no matter the cause, begins with a careful assessment of the patient and the defect. Ideally, it ends with the successful execution of the reconstructive procedure that optimally restores form and function with minimal morbidity. There are several treatment possibilities that differ in their indications, technical difficulty, safety, and incidence of complications. This is a review over a period of 13 years of 117 cases of head and neck reconstruction performed by the author. Sixty-eight patients were treated with five different musculocutaneous pedicled flaps, mainly during the first half of the 13-year period. Those based on the pectoral major and latissimus dorsi were the most frequently utilized, mainly in pharyngolaryngeal reconstructions and sometimes as osteomyocutaneous flaps for oromandibular defects. Forty-nine patients had microvascular reconstructive procedures with 12 different types of free flaps. The latissimus dorsi flap was used for reconstruction of the scalp and after excision of intracranial lesions, whereas the serratus anterior or rectus abdominis free flaps were utilized for reconstruction of complex defects of the middle-third of the face. The radial forearm flap and the free jejunum have become the choice for intraoral and pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, respectively. Good results were obtained in both functional and social rehabilitation of the patients. There were three flap losses due to thrombosis of the microvascular anastomosis. There was no surgical mortality. The indications for each pedicled and free flap are discussed. Received: 27 October 1999 / Accepted: 22 June 2000     

Customized reconstruction with the free anterolateral thigh perforator flap

From April of 2003 through September of 2006, 70 free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were transferred for reconstructing soft-tissue defects. The overall success rate was 96%. Among 70 free ALT flaps, 11 were elevated as cutaneous ALT septocutaneous vessel flaps. Fifty-seven were harvested as cutaneous ALT myocutaneous "true" perforator flaps. Two flaps were used as fasciocutaneous perforator flaps based on independent skin vessels. Fifty-four ALT flaps were used for lower extremity reconstruction, 11 flaps were used for upper extremity reconstruction, 3 flaps were used for trunk reconstruction, and 1 flap was used for head and neck reconstruction. Total flap failure occurred in 3 patients (4.28% of the flaps), and partial failure occurred in 5 patients (7.14% of the flaps). The three flaps that failed completely were reconstructed with a free radial forearm flap, a latissimus dorsi flap and skin grafting, respectively. Among the five flaps that failed partially, three were reconstructed with skin grafting, one with a sural flap, and one with primary closure. The free ALT flap has become the workhorse for covering defects in most clinical situations in our center. It is a reliable flap with consistent anatomy and a long, constant pedicle diameter. Its versatility, in which thickness and volume can be adjusted, leads to a perfect match for customized reconstruction of complex defects.     

Musculocutaneous flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

The introduction of musculocutaneous flaps to head and neck reconstructive surgery is described. The flaps available are listed, and the most important ones described and illustrated. Both the latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major flaps are felt to have a role in head and neck reconstruction, though they have largely been superseded by microvascular free flaps such as the radial forearm flap.     

Reconstruction of extensive defects of the cranium using free-tissue transfer

Fourteen patients with large tissue deficits in the calvarium and orbits were reconstructed using microvascular free-tissue transfer (15 flaps). The etiology of these defects was skin neoplasms (seven), osteomyelitis (four), burn (two), and trauma (one). The free flaps used were the latissimus dorsi muscle flap with a split-thickness skin graft (seven), latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (two), rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (three), radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap (two), and split-iliac crest flap (one). There was one postoperative death, one flap failure, two recurrences of neoplasm, and one loss of bone grafts and flap from infection. The free flaps can offer good results in patients undergoing wide resection in the cranium and orbits providing immediate repair with acceptable cosmetic result, minimized morbidity, and short hospitalization. However, immediate reconstruction following tumor resection carries a danger of positive margins discovered on permanent histologic sections or the difficulty in detecting recurrence underneath a bulky free flap.     

The folded double paddled free flap for oral cavity reconstruction

Summary Six radial forearm flaps, two transverse rectus abdominis flaps and one latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap were used in a bipaddled fashion for full thickness defects of the cheek and the floor of the mouth resulting from cancer resection. The flaps provided both intraoral lining and skin cover in all cases. Immediate reconstruction was carried out following tumor resection in six cases. In three patients who presented with large full thickness defects due to failure of primary reconstruction, late reconstruction with double paddled free flaps was performed. All transfers were successful, in the latissimus dorsi transfer a minimal area of necrosis occurred at the tip of the flap. A salivary fistula developed in two cases, both healed spontaneously up to three weeks postoperatively. The average operating time was 5.5 h; the average hospital stay was 13.4 days.     

Free flap reconstruction of tumors involving the cranial base

The authors describe their experience in treating 24 patients who underwent resection of tumors involving anterior, middle or posterior cranial fossa with immediate reconstruction. All were reconstructed with free flaps, 15 rectus abdominis, 4 radial forearm, 3 latissimus dorsi, 2 great omentum, and one scapular flap. There was one latissimus dorsi flap loss due to arterial thrombosis in a heavily irradiated patient. Three patients presented with a temporary cerebrospinal fluid leak, one of them with meningitis which resolved after intravenous antibiotics and continuous lumbar drainage. Fifteen patients were followed (mean 2 years). Five died of recurrence. Four presented local recurrence. Six patients are alive with no signs of recurrence. Free flaps, especially the rectus abdominis flap and the latissimus dorsi, are versatile flaps and may be easily positioned to cover several structures or anatomical surfaces. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Folded, bipaddled composite flap in head and neck reconstruction

A series of 34 patients repaired by folded, bipaddled composite flaps for head and neck cancer surgical defects is presented. Pectoralis major composite flap was used in 33 patients on musculovascular pedicle and 1 patient had a latissimus dorsi composite flap free-tissue transfer. The pectoralis major rib, osteomyocutaneous flap was utilized in 6 patients who had lesions of the mouth floor and anterior mandibular arch. The incorporated rib was used as a vascularized bone graft for the stability of mandibular fragments. Thus, one regional composite flap used in bipaddled fashion enabled the reconstruction of mucosal, skin, and mandibular arch defects.     

Cranial-base surgery: a reconstructive algorithm.

Skull-base surgery is associated with a high risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, infection, and functional and aesthetic deformity. Appropriate reconstruction of cranial-base defects following surgery helps to prevent these complications. Between March 1998 and May 2000, 28 patients (age: 1-68 years) underwent reconstruction of the anterior and middle cranial fossae. The indications for surgery were tumours, trauma involving the anterior cranial fossa, midline dermoid cysts with intracranial extension, late post-traumatic CSF leak, craniofacial deformity and recurrent frontal mucocoele. We used local anteriorly based pericranial flaps (23 flaps, alone or in combination with other flaps), bipedicled galeal flaps (seven patients) and free flaps (nine patients; radial forearm fascial/fasciocutaneous flaps, rectus abdominis muscle flap and latissimus dorsi muscle flap). Follow-up has been 4-24 months. We had no deaths, no flap failure and no incidence of infection. Complications included two CSF leaks, three intracranial haematomas and one pulsatile enophthalmos. All patients had a very good aesthetic result. We present an algorithm for skull-base reconstruction and comment on the design and vascularity of the bipedicled galeal flap. The monitoring of intracranial flaps and the difficulties of perioperative management of free flaps in neurosurgical patients are also discussed.     

Use of free flaps in the aesthetic reconstruction of face and neck deformities.

Three cases of face and neck deformities, reconstructed with free flaps in order to obtain better aesthetic results, are presented here. Nasal tip, cartilage, and soft tissue defects as well as facial burn contractures were reconstructed with a free radial forearm flap, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, and groin flap, respectively. Case specifics are discussed.     

EVALUATION OF 250 FREE-FLAP RECONSTRUCTIONS AFTER RESECTION OF TUMOURS OF THE HEAD AND NECK

Background : Microvascular free-tissue transfer is now the primary method of reconstruction in many centres. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applications, complications and limitations of free-flap reconstruction in a series of patients with tumours of the head and neck. Methods : This study reviewed prospectively accessioned computerized records in a dedicated head and neck database. Patients treated between 1987 and 1995 with a minimum of a 1-year follow-up were reviewed. There were 242 patients with a mean age of 58 years (172 men and 70 women). The most common tumour sites were oral cavity (42%), oropharynx (32%) and hypopharynx (11%). Mucosal squamous carcinoma accounted for 87% of primary cancers. Results : Among the 250 free flaps, the radial forearm flap (205) and free jejunum (25) predominated. There were 21 episodes of vascular occlusion (8%), failure of 10 flaps (4%) and two patients died perioperatively (0.8%). A second free flap was used in five of 10 cases of flap failure. The fistula rate was 4.4% among 203 patients at risk for this complication, which comprised four of 178 forearm flaps and five of 25 free jejunal grafts. Four of 16 jaw reconstructions failed. Conclusions : A 96% success rate was achieved using free-tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction. The overall complication rate was low but jaw reconstruction and free jejunal grafts posed the greatest problems because of failure of radial bone and fistulas, respectively. The radial forearm septocutaneous flap was very reliable and remains our mainstay for oral reconstruction.     

Microvascular flaps in head and neck reconstruction

Twenty-six patients with head and neck tumors were submitted to 27 microvascular reconstructive procedures. In 15, the mandible was reconstructed using the rib (4), iliac crest (7), and scapula (4). Nine patients underwent craniofacial reconstructions with the latissimus dorsi (5), rectus abdominis (2), greater omentum (2), and scapular (1) flaps. Two patients received a jejunum (1) and a stomach plus greater omentum (1) flaps for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. Three illustrative cases, one from each group, are presented in detail. Good results were obtained in 22 patients (85%), with both functional and morphological rehabilitation. There were five flap losses (two in the same patient) due to thrombosis of the microvascular anastomoses. There was no operative mortality, and the average operative time was 11 hours. The good results observed in these very advanced cases show that there is a place for these complex procedures in the treatment of selected cases of head and neck tumors.     

部分背阔肌皮瓣游离移植修复前臂背侧组织缺损并重建伸指功能

目的 报告应用部分背阔肌皮瓣游离移植修复前臂背侧复合组织缺损,并重建伸指功能的手术方法.方法 对11例因外伤致前臂背侧大面积复合组织缺损的患者,采用保留内侧部分背阔肌及胸背神经内侧支的部分背阔肌皮瓣游离移植修复,将皮瓣中胸背神经近端与受区桡神经深支或指总伸肌肌支缝合,背阔肌远端腱膜修复2～4指指总伸肌.皮瓣切取面积为21 cm×9 cm-27 cm×13 cm.结果 术后11例肌皮瓣全部存活,3例因皮瓣臃肿再次行皮瓣、肌皮瓣修整术,2例指伸肌腱松弛再次行肌腱紧缩术.术后2例失访,9例获得6个月至3年的随访,其中指伸肌力恢复至Ⅲ级2例、Ⅳ级6例、V级1例,肢体功能大部分恢复且外形满意.按中华医学会手外科学会上肢功能评定标准评定:优2例,良5例,可2例;优良率为77.8%.结论 应用游离部分背阔肌皮瓣修复前臂背侧复合组织缺损并重建伸指功能可取得较好的临床疗效,同时供区保留了部分背阔肌的功能.     

头颈部肿瘤术后缺损游离组织瓣的供区选择

目的应用游离组织瓣修复头颈部肿瘤术后缺损,探讨较简便合适的方法。方法回顾并分析1999年1月~2002年1月,采用游离组织瓣修复头颈部肿瘤术后缺损86例。缺损部位:口腔32例,下咽27例,下颌骨12例,颅底5例,中面部4例和头皮/皮肤6例。供区:腹直肌皮瓣32例,股前外侧皮瓣10例,空肠瓣25例,腓骨瓣11例,背阔肌皮瓣4例,前臂皮瓣3例和肩胛皮瓣1例。其中皮瓣或肌皮瓣大小4 cm×5 cm~14 cm×24 cm,腓骨瓣长度4~16 cm,空肠瓣长度9~20 cm。结果游离组织瓣术后成活79例,成活率为92%。其中口腔缺损采用腹直肌肌皮瓣22例(69%)和股前外侧皮瓣10例(31%)修复;下咽缺损主要用空肠瓣修复25例(93%),下颌骨缺损则用腓骨瓣修复11例(92%),颅底缺损由腹直肌皮瓣修复4例(80%)。腹直肌、股前外侧、空肠和腓骨4种组织瓣修复头颈部缺损78例,占同期游离组织瓣的91%。结论头颈部肿瘤术后缺损复杂,利用腹直肌肌皮瓣、股前外侧皮瓣、空肠瓣和腓骨瓣可解决大多数修复重建的难题。     

Scalp reconstruction by microvascular free tissue transfer

We report on a series of patients with scalp defects who have been treated with a variety of free flaps, spanning the era of microvascular free tissue transfer from its incipient stages to the present. Between 1971 and 1987, 18 patients underwent scalp reconstruction with 21 free flaps: 11 latissimus dorsi, 3 scalp transfers between identical twins, 3 groin, one combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior, two serratus anterior, and one omentum. These flaps were used to cover scalp defects resulting from burns, trauma, radiation, and tumors in patients ranging from 7 to 79 years of age. Follow-up has ranged from 3 weeks to 7 years. All of our flaps survived and covered complex defects, many of which had failed more conservative attempts at cover. One patient received radiation therapy to his flap without unfavorable sequelae. This experience began with a pioneering omental flap and includes cutaneous and muscle flaps. The latissimus dorsi is our first choice for free flap reconstruction of extensive, complicated scalp wounds because of its large size, predictable blood supply, ease of harvesting, and provision of excellent vascularity to compromised beds.     

Microsurgical reconstruction for radiation necrosis: an evolving disease

We performed a retrospective chart review of a tertiary care medical center. Our objective was to report our experience with microvascular reconstruction in the head and neck in patients who presented with radiation-induced tissue damage. We will discuss the effects of radiation to soft tissues and bone in the head and neck as well as the challenges it presents for later free tissue transfer. Patients were identified who underwent free tissue transfer to the head and neck for radiation-induced tissue injury by the senior author at our institution. Data were collected to include location of the primary disease, radiation amount and zone of radiation injury, initial surgical reconstruction, time to development of radiation necrosis, type of free flap selected, recipient vessel selection, the number of sequential free tissue transfers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, flap success rates, and minor complications. Patients were excluded if recurrent cancer was identified at any time following reconstruction. One hundred sixty-one free flaps were performed from 2000 to 2004 in the head and neck by the senior author at our tertiary care institution. Fourteen patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria and 16 (two lateral thigh, two iliac crest, one radial forearm, one transverse rectus abdominis, six fibula, two latissimus dorsi with associated rib, and two scapula) free flaps were performed for radiation-induced complications. Five patients required multiple sequential free flaps including the initial reconstruction. Anastomosis was performed within the radiation zone of injury in 14 cases (87.5%), whereas 2 (12.5%) were performed outside the zone of injury. Forty-three percent of patients ( N = 6) underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy. After initial reconstruction, the incidence of complications requiring surgical intervention included skin breakdown ( N = 1), fistula ( N = 2), and persistent osteoradionecrosis ( N = 2). The mean time to follow-up was 17.5 months (range 1 to 49). There was one partial flap failure that was salvaged by thrombectomy. There were no total flap failures. As primary treatment for head and neck cancer moves toward radiation therapy, microsurgical reconstruction is playing an increasing role for those patients developing radiation-related complications. Radionecrosis is a progressive disease where the incidence is increasing as patients are surviving longer. Understanding the effects of radiation on soft tissue and bone and the complexity of reconstruction in the zone of injury will greatly improve the success of reconstruction.     

Die Deckung von Weichteildefekten und instabilen Narben über der Achillessehne durch freie mikrochirurgische Lappenplastiken

INTRODUCTION: Coverage of the exposed Achilles tendon requires thin, supple tissue to provide adequate range of motion and a satisfying aesthetic result for the distal lower extremity. Various local flaps and free flaps have been described for reconstruction of small and large defects. Small defects can be closed with local tissue, whereas free flap coverage may be necessary for coverage of large defects. METHODS: From July 1993 to September 1998 14 patients between the age of 15 and 74 years (mean 47 years; 3 female, 11 male) underwent free flap coverage for the exposed Achilles tendon due to primary trauma, chronic wounds or tumors. The mean duration of follow-up was 33.3 months. The defect size ranged from 8 x 8 to 25 x 28 cm. RESULTS: Six parascapular flaps (three with a vascularized scapular fascial extension), four radial forearm flaps and four latissimus dorsi flaps (one combined with free serratus fascia) were used for soft tissue coverage over the Achilles tendon. Thirteen flaps survived. In one case a parascapular flap had to be removed due to venous thrombosis and a free latissimus dorsi flap was used as secondary salvage procedure. The donor site morbidity was acceptable for most patients after flap harvesting in the subscapular region and also satisfactory in the forearm region. Average active range of motion in the upper ankle joint was 15-0-40 degrees for extension/flexion. All patients were satisfied with the functional and aesthetic result. CONCLUSION: Soft tissue coverage over the exposed Achilles tendon requires an optimal solution for each patient to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result and acceptable function. Microvascular free flaps can be used to reconstruct medium and large defects and to provide gliding tissue for the Achilles tendon. The complication rate of microvascular flaps is comparable with that of local flaps.     

Free-tissue transfer in plastic surgery (emergencies excluded). Apropos of a 10-year experience]

Over a period of ten years the authors have performed 176 elective free tissue transfers. Flaps used were 99 latissimus dorsi, 46 chinese forearm flaps, 12 fibula, 6 toes, 5 omentum, 4 parascapular, and 4 others flaps. Recipient sites were lower limbs in 106 cases, head and neck in 50 cases, forearm and hand in 13 cases, thorax, abdomen, and buttocks in 7 cases. The overall failure rate was 5.7 per cent. Analysis of these failures taught us some original principles. Among these principles, the risk of vascular thrombosis is very important when a venous graft is performed on one end of the artery of a low blood flow flap such as chinese forearm or fibular flaps when the other end of this artery is ligated. When such a graft is done we think that the best way to avoid thrombosis is to suture the other end of the flap artery to a recipient vessel which can be even the distal end of the flap vein itself. Pretransfer expansion of a latissimus dorsi flap was successfully performed in 4 cases. Migrating semi-free flap method, in which the vascular pedicle of a flap is temporarily sutured to recipient vessels located far from the defect, was performed in 12 cases, in most cases on lower limbs where this method constitutes a modern variant of the cross-leg. Folded free-flap method, in which a flap is folded on itself during some days before excision of the recipient site, was performed in 14 cases. Analysis of this series also allowed us to review in detail our usual strategic principles for vascular anastomoses in the head and lower limbs.     

Omental free flap reconstruction in complex head and neck deformities

BACKGROUND: Microvascular free flaps continue to revolutionize coverage options in head and neck reconstruction. This article reviews our 25-year experience with omental free tissue transfers. METHODS: All patients who underwent free omental transfer to the head and neck region were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were included with omental transfers to the scalp (25%), craniofacial (62%), and neck (13%) region. Indications were tumor resections, burn wound, hemifacial atrophy, trauma, and moyamoya disease. Average follow-up was 3.1 years (range, 2 months-13 years). Donor site morbidities included abdominal wound infection, gastric outlet obstruction, and postoperative bleeding. Recipient site morbidities included partial flap loss in four patients (7%) total flap loss in two patients (3.6%), and three hematomas. CONCLUSIONS: The omental free flap has acceptable abdominal morbidity and provides sufficient soft tissue coverage with a 96.4% survival. The thickness \and versatility of omentum provide sufficient contour molding for craniofacial reconstruction. It is an attractive alternative for reconstruction of large scalp defects and badly irradiated tissue.     

One-stage composite reconstruction using the latissimus myoosteocutaneous free flap

Head and neck reconstruction using a free flap composed of latissimus dorsi muscle and overlying skin and attached to vascularized posterior rib based on the thoracodorsal vessel was recently developed in our laboratory. Further clinical experience in the use of this flap is presented, along with a detailed explanation of the surgical technique. This flap provides internal lining, structural support, bulk, and external coverage for head and neck defects in one stage. Herein alternative composite free flaps have been compared with this flap.