Posterior cartilage graft in single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) has gained popularity during the past decade, but few reports discuss posterior grafting. We assessed the indications, treatment, complications, and outcomes for patients who underwent this procedure. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 120 pediatric patients who underwent LTR at LeBonheur Children's Medical Center or the University of Mississippi Medical Center between January 1992 and September 2000. We identified and evaluated those who had undergone single-stage anterior plus posterior cartilage rib graft reconstruction during this period. RESULTS: Of 120 patients, 56 had anterior graft procedures, and 46 had anterior plus posterior cartilage rib graft reconstruction. The 46 patients included 26 boys and 20 girls (age range, 18 months to 9 years; follow-up periods, 3 months to 6 years). Twenty-one of 46 had circumferential grade III stenosis, 14 had grade IV stenosis, 4 had bilateral vocal cord paralysis, 4 had posterior glottic and subglottic stenosis, and 3 had laryngeal cleft. Eleven of 46 patients had previous procedures and required revision LTR. All 46 patients underwent single-stage reconstruction with temporary stenting using an endotracheal tube for 10 to 24 days; 4 failed required replacement of the tracheotomy tube, and 8 required reintubation after the first extubation. The overall decannulation success rate was 83% (38 of 46). CONCLUSIONS: LTR is the procedure of choice for the surgical management of subglottic stenosis. Although use of a posterior rib graft is technically demanding and requires extensive experience, good results can be obtained when the guidelines are followed.     

Multiple costal cartilage graft reconstruction for the treatment of a full-length laryngotracheal stenosis after an inhalation burn

After suffering an inhalation burn, a 22-year-old male was intubated for seven days. Full-length massive scar formation in the upper airway necessitated tracheostomy five months later. After this, the stenosis became complete in the cricoid region, and a long cannula was needed to maintain the severely damaged middle-distal trachea. After unsuccessful laser dilatation, the more stenotic 3?cm distal tracheal segment was resected, but two months later the stenosis recurred. As resection was ineffective, tracheoplasty was performed via a right-sided thoracotomy; the re-stenotized trachea was incised in length and successfully extended with 5?cm long, oval-shaped rib cartilage. Three months later, the complete cricotracheal stenosis was fixed by combined laryngofissure and cricoid laminotomy with two 6?cm×2.5?cm cartilage pieces sutured into the incisions. The middle portion of the trachea was expanded with a similar graft inserted into the anterior wall below the tracheostomy. The fixing T-tube was removed three months later, and the patient had an adequate airway two years after the last procedure. We conclude that multiple cartilage graft reconstruction can be successful even after the development of an extremely long airway stenosis following inhalation burn injury.     

The versatile autogenous costal cartilage graft in septorhinoplasty

Secondary septorhinoplasty often requires a large amount of tissue, and autogenous costal cartilage is one type of grafting material that can be used in these cases. In this study, 20 patients with severe nasal deformity received autogenous costal cartilage grafts. Nineteen of the 20 cases were revisions. Costal cartilage grafts were used for structural and nonstructural purposes in these patients. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 32 months. The complications included 1 patient with early wound infection and 3 with minor warping. There were no problems with graft resorption or extrusion. Other than temporary pain, there were also no complications at the donor sites. We conclude that the autogenous costal cartilage graft is an outstanding material for volume filling and structural support when large amounts of tissue are needed in septorhinoplasty.     

The use of autogenous costal cartilage graft in septorhinoplasty

INTRODUCTION: Reconstructive septorhinoplasty in complex nasal deformities often requires harvesting a large amount of tissue for grafting. Autogenous septal cartilage has generally been considered the gold standard grafting material. The aim of this paper was to report our experience with the use of costal cartilage grafts in cases with significant structural deformities and insufficient septal cartilage. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. PATIENTS: Between 1998 and 2006, 37 patients underwent septorhinoplasty using costal cartilage as the primary source for grafting. Twenty-two men and 14 women with a median age of 42 were enrolled in the study. Patient demographics, indications for surgery, and immediate and late complications were reviewed. The follow-up range was 3 to 72 months. CONCLUSIONS: Autogenous costal cartilage graft is a viable option in reconstructive septorhinoplasty. We advocate the use of this graft in septorhinoplasty cases requiring a large volume of tissue and insufficient septal cartilage.     

Tracheal reconstruction with a prefabricated deltopectoral flap combined with costal cartilage graft and palatal mucosal graft

We have created an alternative method for tracheal reconstruction. Our new surgical procedure using a deltopectoral flap combined with a costal cartilage graft and mucosal graft for tracheal reconstruction allows us to achieve reconstruction of the tracheal mucosa, the tracheal cartilage, and the covering skin with adequate subcutaneous tissue. In one case, a tracheostenosis was reconstructed with a deltopectoral flap combined with a costal cartilage graft. In the other case, a tracheal defect was reconstructed with a deltopectoral flap combined with a costal cartilage graft and palatal mucosal graft. Although the operation is a multistage procedure, our method provides satisfactory clinical results. Thus, we believe that our method is useful for the surgical treatment of large tracheal defects.     

Histopathologic changes after tracheobronchial reconstruction with costal cartilage graft for congenital tracheal stenosis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Congenital tracheal stenosis is an uncommon, life-threatening condition. Recently, tracheoplasty using costal cartilage grafts to enlarge the lumen was used successfully in such cases. In this study, we evaluated postoperative changes of costal cartilage grafts after tracheoplasty. METHODS: Costal cartilage patch tracheoplasty was used for surgical correction of long-segment congenital tracheal stenosis in 18 infants. Six patients whose tracheal specimens were obtained at autopsy are included in this study. The mean age at the time of repair was 4.8 months, and the mean period after operation was 7.5 months. Cartilage graft survival and epithelialization of inner layer was evaluated in each case. RESULTS: The mean width and length of grafts was 6.3 x 35 mm at operation and 4.0 x 22 mm at autopsy. The graft size was diminished gradually after operation and was replaced completely by mature scar tissue 2 years after operation. However, diameter of the reconstructed site was not reduced. Reepithelialization of the graft site with ciliated columnar epithelium was found in every case. Chondrocyte numbers were reduced and remaining cartilage was rather eosinophilic, suggesting that the degenerative process was ongoing in the graft. CONCLUSIONS: The costal cartilage grafts established a functional tracheal lumen, and reepithelialization with ciliated columnar epithelium was found at the graft site. The costal cartilage grafts continues to be an important option as graft material for tracheal reconstruction in infants with long segment congenital tracheal stenosis.     

Finger joint reconstruction with costal osteochondral graft

Cartilage disorders of the finger joint may influence hand function. Loss of integrity of the finger joint may severely compromise its stability and may lead to degenerative arthritis. Anatomical reduction of the finger cartilage should be as precise as possible in treating cartilage defects due to trauma and other causes. We have repaired cartilage defects in finger joints by arthroplasty with costal osteochondral grafting in 29 patients (30 joints) since 1997. Three patients underwent total joint reconstruction using costal osteochondral grafting for complete bony ankylosis (1 metacarpophalangeal joint and 2 proximal interphalangeal joints). The purpose of this study was to describe the history, indications, and surgical techniques of the costal osteochondral graft for cartilage disorders or defects in the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints.     

The conchal cartilage graft in nasal reconstruction.

Graft selection remains a problem in nasal reconstruction, where the use of autologous cartilage still provides the best resistance to infection and a low degree of resorption. As the nasal septum is often absent or insufficient in such patients, the auricular concha offers a valid alternative. A group of 53 patients suffering from developmental iatrogenic and post-traumatic nasal pathologies were treated surgically by means of conchal grafts. Detailed examination of the anatomical defects presented by the patients made it possible to plan the removal of grafts from the area of the auricular concha with great precision. Guidelines were developed for the areas of the cymba concha and cavum concha to be used as sources for some types of commonly used graft. The technique described made it possible to restore the anatomically deficient structures with satisfactory aesthetic and reconstructive results. The use of cartilage grafts also addressed functional breathing problems. The auricular concha is easy to shape and can provide grafts to reconstruct the various anatomical components of the nasal pyramid. To this end, it proves very useful to save as much cartilage as possible and to pinpoint affinities between some areas of the concha and the structures to be reconstructed.     

耳再造术中自体肋软骨耳支架的雕刻

目的 探讨耳再造术中自体肋软骨耳支架的雕刻方法,以期达到形态逼真的再造耳郭.方法 取自体第6～8肋软骨作为耳支架材料,分3层雕刻出包括耳甲、耳轮、对耳轮、三角窝及舟状窝等在内的细微解剖结构,将其拼接固定成三维立体耳支架并用于耳郭再造.结果 临床应用205例,除6例因血肿感染、皮肤坏死引起耳支架变形外露,其余均效果满意.再造耳郭形态自然逼真,结构清晰牢固,立体感强,质感柔韧,具有个性化.结论 用自体肋软骨雕刻而成的三维立体耳支架,是目前耳再造术中安全可靠、理想实用的耳郭支架.     

Patient satisfaction following nipple reconstruction incorporating autologous costal cartilage

BACKGROUND:

Nipple-areolar reconstruction completes post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Many techniques for nipple reconstruction have been described, and each has their advocates and critics. One of the frequent failings of most designs is loss of nipple projection with time.

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the effect of including autologous costal cartilage on patient satisfaction with their nipple reconstruction.

METHODS:

Sixty-eight patients were identified who had undergone fishtail flap nipple reconstruction following autologous free flap breast reconstruction between 1990 and 2004. Qualitative questionnaires, using Likert scales, were sent to each patient to specifically assess their satisfaction with their nipple reconstruction.

RESULTS:

Of 26 respondents (mean ± SEM follow-up period 3.7±3.6 years), 13 had undergone nipple reconstruction incorporating costal cartilage banked at the time of initial breast reconstruction, and the other 13 had no cartilage in their nipple reconstructions. While both groups would opt for nipple reconstruction again, patients with cartilage grafts incorporated into their reconstructions had overall satisfaction ratings 1.92 grades higher on average (not significant, P=0.12) than those without. This difference increased to 3.2 grades when the satisfaction of the patient’s partner was taken into account (P<0.05). Improved satisfaction corresponded to higher scores for volume, consistency, texture, and particularly for projection and contour of the nipple (P<0.05). Although nipple morphology changed over time, there was a trend toward improved stability in the cartilage group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patient satisfaction with nipple reconstruction can be improved by incorporating costal cartilage beneath the skin flaps. Superior contour and projection are sustained over time.     

Thyroid alar cartilage laryngotracheal reconstruction for severe pediatric subglottic stenosis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Laryngotracheoplasty has become an accepted treatment alternative for subglottic stenosis. However, the best autogenous material for laryngotracheoplasty remains controversial. Autogenous superior thyroid alar cartilage (TAC) has been used successfully in single stage laryngotracheal reconstruction in children with subglottic stenosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 6 children (mean age, 16.6 months) undergoing TAC graft laryngotracheoplasty between September 1995, and June 1999. Two children had immediate tracheal intubation for congenital subglottic stenosis. Four others had previous tracheostomy: 3 for severe postintubation subglottic stenosis and 1 for congenital subglottic stenosis. After an anterior cricoid split, a piece of TAC was sutured between the cut ends of the cricoid, with the graft perichondrium facing intraluminally. Endotracheal intubation was maintained postoperatively. RESULTS: Four children underwent successfully extubation 9 to 21 days (mean, 15.5 days) postoperatively. Two required tracheostomy, which was maintained because of severe laryngomalacia and laryngotracheobronchomalacia. One child was treated with CO2 laser because of symptomatic recurrence of the subglottic stenosis 3 weeks after the surgery; another required fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux 12 months after laryngotracheoplasty. There were no donor site complications in any of the 6 cases. Repeat laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy showed a patent subglottic airway. All of them are without symptoms after a mean follow-up of 26 months. CONCLUSIONS: (1) This preliminary experience indicates that the TAC graft technique is a viable option for laryngotracheal reconstruction; (2) the TAC graft has significant advantages, including a single operative incision and absence of donor-site morbidity.     

Nipple reconstruction using the modified top hat flap with banked costal cartilage graft: long-term follow-up in 58 patients

The long-term projection of nipple reconstruction is a challenge. Fifty-eight consecutive female patients underwent 58 nipple reconstructions with modified top hat flap with cartilage graft following breast reconstruction in 54 autologous tissues and 4 implants, respectively.The average neonipple size was 11.5 mm initially and 8.5 mm at a mean follow-up of 44.9 months (range, 24-65 months), with a mean decrease in projection of 26.1%. Thirty-three patients achieved an excellent result, 20 patients a good result, 3 patients a fair result, and 2 patients a poor result, respectively. The complication rate was 12.1% (7 of 58 cases), and there was no statistically significant difference between the immediate and delayed groups; the revision rate was 8.6% (5 of 58 cases).The modified top hat flap with banked costal cartilage graft provides a sustainable solution to the gradual loss of nipple projection, with few complications.     

Staged, laminated, costal cartilage framework for ear reconstruction

Two features of greatest importance in achieving a normal appearance in the reconstruction of an ear with microtia are that a conchal component with sufficient size, shape, and depth is present; and that auricular projection, sufficient in degree to show contours that appear normal from a posterior view, is present. The authors describe the construction of a staged, laminated framework that helps achieve these goals.     

Repair of sheep articular cartilage defects with a rabbit costal perichondrial graft

A xenograft of costal rabbit perichondrium was trans-planted to an articular cartilage defect in a sheep knee. After 12 weeks, cartilage was formed with increased calcification of the basal layer and a mean of 74 percent collagen type II. the synovium did not show any infiltration, indicating the absence of any immunologic reaction.     

Repair of sheep articular cartilage defects with a rabbit costal perichondrial graft

A xenograft of costal rabbit perichondrium was transplanted to an articular cartilage defect in a sheep knee. After 12 weeks, cartilage was formed with increased calcification of the basal layer and a mean of 74 percent collagen type II. The synovium did not show any infiltration, indicating the absence of any immunologic reaction.     

Multiple pellets expectoration: bronchial repair by using a costal cartilage graft

Foreign body expectoration resulting from penetrating thoracic injury is an extremely rare condition. It requires bronchoscopy for diagnosis, and if there is a bronchial wound with a large tissue defect, costal cartilage grafting covered with a vascularized muscle flap is suggested as a good alternative for the treatment.