Pedicled buccal fat pad flap for intraoral malignant defects: A series of 29 cases

A buccal fat pad (BFP) as a flap for reconstruction of defects in the oral cavity has been described for a variety of benign conditions. We describe the indications, advantages, and complications of the BFP flap and report our clinical experience with the flap for intraoral reconstruction after tumor removal. From 2005 to 2008, we analyzed 29 patients in the age range of 32 to 82 years old who underwent a pedicled BFP flap reconstruction for oral defects after intraoral tumor removal. Postoperative wound healing and complications including any recurrence was followed-up prospectively. Most of the patients had an uneventful immediate postoperative period with signs of buccal fat pad epithelialization by the end of the first week and complete epithelialization at the end of the first month. On continued follow-up, a linear band of fibrous tissue under the epithelialized mucosa replaced the once reconstructed buccal fat pad. Three patients had varying degrees of hemorrhage: one of them had hematoma that healed with severe fibrosis and of the remaining two, one had a partial flap loss and one had a complete flap loss. Judicious use of buccal fat pad reconstruction offers a simple, convenient, and reliable way to reconstruct small to medium defects of the oral cavity with low morbidity, even in older patients who would not be able to tolerate time-consuming flap reconstruction procedures.     

The buccal fat pad flap in oral reconstruction

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique, indications, advantages, and possible complications of the buccal fat pad flap and to report our clinical experience with this flap for intraoral reconstruction after tumor removal. METHODS: The flap has been used to reconstruct oral defects after tumor resection in 32 patients, who have been retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Adequate closure of the defect was achieved during surgery in all cases. In one case, there was partial loss of the flap; this was treated conservatively. In five cases there was some retraction in the reconstructed area. CONCLUSIONS: Buccal fat pad as a flap offers an adequate reconstructive option to be born in mind when reconstructing small to medium defects in the oral cavity. It is a simple and quick surgical technique with a low incidence of complications.     

Trilobed Skin Flap on the Face: For Reconstruction of Full-Thickness or Commissural Defects

BACKGROUND: Although many local skin flaps have been described for reconstruction of defects on the face, there are still some difficulties in reconstruction of full-thickness defects of alar and ear region and commissural defects in periorbital and perioral region. OBJECTIVE: A trilobed skin flap can offer single-stage reconstruction of difficult full-thickness or commissural defects. We performed trilobed skin flaps in reconstruction of the defects on the face. The design of the flap and outcomes of the procedures are presented. METHODS: Twelve patients with skin cancer on the face were operated under general or local anesthesia. After tumor resection, defects were closed with a trilobed skin flap. Patients were followed-up for a minimum 6 months. RESULTS: There was no early or late complication in all patients. Oral competence was achieved in reconstruction of the oral commissure. A new lateral canthus with angles as in the original one was created. Alar and ear reconstructions were performed at one session using the same flap without a graft. The outcome was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Because it is easy to obtain a trilobed skin flap, it can be used for reconstruction of canthal, oral, and commissural defects, and the new canthus, mouth, and commissures with angles as in the original ones can be created. In addition, the flap can be used for reconstruction of full-thickness defects in the alar region and the ear.     

Eyelid reconstruction using a hard palate mucoperiosteal graft combined with a V-Y subcutaneously pedicled flap.

Full-thickness eyelid defects after tumour ablation require the reconstruction of two layers, the anterior and posterior lamellae. Eyelids were successfully reconstructed after removal of malignant tumours in four patients using a hard palate mucoperiosteal graft combined with a curved V-Y subcutaneously pedicled flap. Although there have been some reports of hard palate mucosal grafts for reconstruction of the posterior lamella, the graft is not sufficiently rigid to support the reconstructed eyelid without the aid of supporting materials such as cartilage grafts. The hard palate mucoperiosteal graft seems to be rigid enough to support the reconstructed eyelid without the use of cartilage or other supporting materials. The subcutaneously pedicled V-Y advancement flap is useful for reconstruction of the anterior lamella in partial eyelid defects. We used it with a modified curved design to allow easy advancement and to make postoperative scars inconspicuous.     

Karapandzic flap for reconstruction of lip defects.

PURPOSE: Systematic evaluation of the Karapandzic flap in the reconstruction of lip defects after ablative surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who had a Karapandzic flap to reconstruct lip defects were analyzed with reference to demographic details, histology and location of the tumor, and dimensions of resection. The functional aspects of the reconstruction were assessed in terms of the size of the oral stoma, preservation of oral competence, and facial expression, in addition to speech, diet and ease of cutlery, and denture usage. The esthetic outcome was assessed with a 4-point scale and in addition the symmetry of the commissure at rest and function, preservation of the philtrum, and lip projection also were assessed. The complications were noted. RESULTS: Seven patients underwent Karapandzic flap reconstruction (4 males, 3 females) with an age range of 43 to 98 years. Three tumors were located in the upper lip, 4 in the lower lip, and there were 5 squamous and 2 basal cell carcinomas. The lip defects ranged from 40% to 75% of the lip circumference. The oral stoma was of a reduced circumference in all cases but did not lead to any functional compromise in terms of oral competence, facial expression, speech, diet, denture and cutlery usage, and sensation. There were no wound complications in our series. The esthetic outcome was considered excellent/good in 85% of cases. The commissure was symmetrical in all except 1 patient, the philtrum was preserved in all cases of lower lip reconstruction, and the projection of the lip was reduced in edentulous patients. CONCLUSIONS: The Karapandzic flap is a reliable technique that offers consistently good functional and esthetic outcomes after reconstruction of lip defects.     

Mandibular reconstruction using osteocutaneous radial forearm flap

Objective: To describe the use of radial forearm osteocutaneous free flap in complex mandibular reconstruction. Study Design: A case series. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January 1998 to January 2008. Methodology: Patients having a small bony component and a large soft tissue mandibular defect requiring reconstruction were selected. These defects include composite through-and-through defects of the cheek in the retromolar trigone, small lateral bony defects with large intra and extra oral soft tissue defects and small central bony defects with large extra oral tissue loss. Radial forearm osteocutaneous free flap was employed. Complications and graft acceptance were determined at follow-up. Results: Patients were followed-up for an average period of 28 months. Complications occurred in 8 patients. Wound infection and partial wound dehiscence were the most common complication observed in 3 patients. Non-union at recipient site was seen in 2 patients. Flap donor site healed uneventfully in all patients with no fractures at the donor site. Conclusion: The radial forearm osteocutaneous flap covers oromandibular defects with large intra-oral and extra oral soft tissue losses. Lateral and anterior mandibular defects were reconstructed satisfactorily in our series.     

The reconstruction of the oral and maxillofacial defects with free vascularized flaps and microsurgical anastomoses

The reconstruction of the oral and maxillofacial defects is difficult, because of the high specialisation of the tissues. In cancer resection, the post-operatory defects are quite important, because of the oncological principle of assuring free margins. The free flap is a modem and nowadays very used method in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction, after the removal of the malignant tumors with this localisation. These flaps are indicated for large defects, when the reconstruction with local or regional flaps is not possible. The wide variety of the raised tissues allows better results, making them the flaps of choice for large defects of the lip and cheek. The main advantages are related to the tri-dimensional extension of the free margins, assuring the quality of life and allowing early initiation of the radiotherapy in oncological patients.     

Simultaneous reconstruction of the oral commissure,lip and buccal mucosa with microvascular transfer of combined first–second toe web and dorsalis pedis flap

The reconstruction of oral commissure, lip and mucosa defects following tumour resection is a challenging task to the reconstructive surgeon owing to the increasing aesthetic and functional demands. The authors describe a case in which the use of combined first–second toe web with dorsalis pedis flap was transferred and an optimal result was achieved for the oral commissure, lip and buccal mucosa following resection of squamous cell carcinoma and local flap failure.     

Free latissimus dorsi flap transfer for subtotal scalp and cranium defect reconstruction: report of 7 cases

OBJECT: The purpose of the paper is to review the results of free latissimus dorsi transfer for scalp and cranium reconstruction in case of large defects with exposed brain tissue, deperiosted cranial bone, and dura that cannot be reconstructed with local flaps or skin grafts. METHODS: Free latissimus dorsi transfer was carried out in an interdisciplinary approach involving neurosurgery and plastic surgery in seven patients with subtotal and total scalp defects (two reconstruction after tumor removal, two reconstructions after longstanding osteitis, 2x tissue break down after irradiation, 1x defect reconstruction after high voltage injury). There were three male and four female patients. The age ranged from 36 to 72 years. Reconstruction was carried out with a muscle flap (1x) or a myo-cutaneous flap (6x) in combination with a split thickness skin mesh (1:1.5) graft, done in a single-stage procedure. In a retrospective clinical study the following criteria were evaluated: 1) flap healing, 2) esthetic result, and 3) complications. All flaps healed primarily, and all wound remained closed without any signs of infection. Complete wound healing was achieved after 4-8 weeks, depending on the healing of the skin grafts. Secondary skin grafting was necessary in two patients, revision of the donor site in two patients. From an esthetic point of view four patients complained about the appearance of the retroauricular skin island. After removal of the skin island 6 months after the initial operation, all patient judged the result as good or acceptable. CONCLUSION: Besides the free omentum flap, the free latissimus dorsi transfer is the only option for coverage of subtotal or total scalp defects. Compared to the omentum flap, the latissimus dorsi offers more tissue, has less donor site morbidity, and secondary surgery such as cranial bone reconstruction is possible. Contrary to most authors, our preferred donor vessels are maxillary artery and the external jugular vein. To avoid any vascular compression we are using a myo-cutaneous flap. The skin island must be removed secondarily. In patients were no bone reconstruction is possible or planned, the deepithelialized skin paddle can be used for correction of a contour defect.     

颊脂垫瓣移转在腭裂修复中的应用

介绍颊脂垫瓣移转的应用原理及用以腭裂修复的实践。方法 将颊脂垫瓣移植于硬腭裂隙的口腔侧创面，或充填于腭部的口腔与鼻腔侧组织瓣之间，尤其是硬软腭交界处。颊脂垫不需用皮片覆盖，可以自行上皮化。结果 共治疗腭裂６例，术后颊脂垫完全成活，无腭瘘形成，无颊间隙感染发生。     

Tongue reconstruction with the gracilis myocutaneous free flap

We describe our experience in tongue reconstruction using the transverse gracilis myocutaneous (TMG) free flap after major demolitive surgery for advanced cancer. This technique was used in 10 patients: seven underwent total glossectomy and three partial glossectomy. In eight patients we performed motor reinnervation attempting to maintain muscular trophism and gain long-term volumetric stability. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 28 months. The overall flap survival was 100%. Nine out of 10 patients resumed oral intake. Our preliminary experience shows that this flap is a good reconstructive option for total glossectomy patients, whereas it is less suited for reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects. Functional and objective evaluation of the tongue reconstructed with TMG free flap requires further and standardized evaluation.     

Free rib graft reconstruction of the mandible: a forgotten option?

Eleven patients underwent primary mandibular reconstruction following resection of a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Reconstruction consisted of a free rib graft and a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. One rib graft failed and one graft, although successful, required removal during a wider resection for tumour recurrence. A further three patients have died since operation, two from tumour recurrence and one from unrelated medical causes. Six patients have undergone long-term follow-up of between 22 and 78 months with a mean of 51 months. They have oral continence, take a normal or semisolid diet, and have satisfactory cosmesis. We present the first long-term follow-up of a series of patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction with a free rib graft and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap.     

颏下岛状瓣修复舌癌切除术后舌与口底组织缺损

目的评价颏下岛状瓣修复舌组织缺损的临床效果及其应用价值。方法1997年3月~2004年10月,对9例舌癌患者在行舌颌颈联合根治术后所形成的舌或舌与口底组织缺损,应用颏下岛状瓣修复。其中男6例,女3例,年龄48~71岁。右半侧舌5例,左半侧舌4例,其中病变侵及口底者4例。组织缺损范围4.2 cm×3.2 cm~5.5 cm×4.0 cm。修复所用组织瓣大小为6.0 cm×3.0 cm~7.0 cm×4.0 cm。以颏下动脉为蒂8例,颏下动脉联合颌外动脉近心端为蒂1例。结果术后8例颏下岛状瓣成活。修复后舌体静态形态佳;动态表现前伸、上举、侧向运动不受限,语音清晰,吞咽功能良好,未发生任何并发症。3例术后3周放疗。随访1~36个月,舌无异常变化。1例组织瓣坏死脱落,创面自然愈合。结论颏下岛状瓣修复舌缺损,手术方法简便,并能提供足量组织同时修复口底缺损。     

腓骨瓣联合小腿外侧皮瓣修复颌面缺损

目的 探讨腓骨瓣联合小腿外侧皮瓣修复口腔颌面软、硬组织缺损的临床疗效.方法 以腓动、静脉为血管蒂腓骨瓣联合小腿外侧皮瓣进行颌面部软、硬组织缺损修复,腓骨用于修复颌骨缺损,小腿外侧皮瓣主要用于修复口底、牙龈、咽侧、颊以及腭部的软组织缺损.结果 2005年3月至2007年3月,共治疗26例,其中修复恶性肿瘤术后缺损25例,双侧上颌骨缺失1例.术中组织瓣制备顺利,没有出现伤及腓骨血管以及小腿外侧皮瓣的穿支血管的现象.所有移植组织瓣全部成活.其中有1例术后12 h出现吻合动脉危象,经抢救成活;1例术后24 h出现静脉吻合危象,静脉血栓形成,经手术探查,重新吻合静脉后,抢救成功.术后随访6个月至2年,修复区外形满意,患者能从事正常的社会活动.结论 腓骨瓣联合小腿外侧皮瓣修复口腔颌面部复合组织缺损效果较好.可作为首选方法.     

Nasolabial flaps in oral reconstruction: an analysis of 224 cases.

The nasolabial flap is a simple option for the reconstruction of selected oral defects. Though its use in floor-of-mouth reconstruction has been described, other uses in the oral cavity have not been studied extensively. We present a series of 224 oral malignancies where the nasolabial flap was used for reconstruction after surgical excision.     

Free latissimus dorsi flap transfer for subtotal scalp and cranium defect reconstruction: report of seven cases

The purpose of this paper is to review the results of free latissimus dorsi transfer for scalp and cranial reconstruction in the case of large defects with exposed brain tissue, cranial bone without periosteal cover, and dura, which cannot be reconstructed with local flaps or skin grafts. Free latissimus dorsi transfer was carried out in seven patients with subtotal and total scalp defects (two reconstruction after tumor removal, two reconstructions after long-standing osteitis, two tissue breakdown after irradiation, one defect reconstruction after high voltage injury). There were three male and four female patients. The age ranged from 36 to 72 years. Reconstruction was performed with a muscle flap (1) or a myocutaneous flap (6) in combination with a split-thickness skin mesh (1:1.5) graft in a single-stage procedure. In a retrospective clinical study, the following criteria were evaluated: (1) flap healing, (2) aesthetic result, and (3) complications. All flaps healed primarily, and all wounds remained closed without any signs of infection. Complete wound healing was achieved after 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the “take” of the skin grafts. Secondary skin grafting was necessary in two patients, while revision of the donor site was necessary in two patients. From an aesthetic point of view, four patients complained about the appearance of the retroauricular skin island. After removal of the skin island 6 months after the initial operation, all patients judged the result as good or acceptable. Besides the free omentum flap, the free latissimus dorsi transfer is the only option for cover of subtotal or total scalp defects. Compared to the omentum flap, the latissimus dorsi offers more tissue, has less donor site morbidity, and secondary surgery such as cranial bone reconstruction is possible. Contrary to most authors, our preferred donor vessels are maxillary artery and the external jugular vein. To avoid any vascular compression, we use a myocutaneous flap. The skin island must be removed secondarily. In patients where no bone reconstruction is possible or planned, the de-epithelialized skin paddle can be used for correction of a contour defect.This work was presented at the Spring Meeting of the Belgian Society for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, May 8, 2004 in Ghent, Belgium.     

Functional outcomes after laryngopharyngectomy with anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction

BACKGROUND: We examined speech and swallowing outcomes and complications in patients with anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap reconstruction of cervical esophageal defects. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 29 patients treated with laryngopharyngectomy and ALT flap reconstruction at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from March 2002 to July 2004. We compared complication rates, nutritional intake, number of tracheoesophageal punctures (TEPs), speech fluency and use, operative defects, and radiotherapy effects. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients had circumferential defects, and seven had partial defects. Twenty-four patients had radiotherapy. Eleven patients underwent TEP. Higher complication rates in patients after TEP compared with those without TEP were not statistically significant (p = .268). Ninety percent of patients with TEP spoke fluently. Ninety percent of all patients returned to oral alimentation without significant effect from TEP (p = 1.00), complications (p = 1.00), radiation therapy (p = 1.00), or surgical defect (p = .56). CONCLUSIONS: The ALT flap successfully reconstructs laryngopharyngeal defects with excellent speech and swallowing results.     

Functional outcomes and donor site morbidity following circumferential pharyngoesophageal reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh flap and salivary bypass tube

BACKGROUND: This study reports our experience with fasciocutaneous reconstruction of circumferential pharyngoesophageal defects using an anterolateral thigh flap wrapped around a salivary bypass tube. METHODS: The charts of 14 patients were reviewed. All patients who had reconstruction of a pharyngoesophageal defect using an anterolateral thigh flap with a salivary bypass tube between 2001 and 2005 were included. RESULTS: There were 10 men and 4 women (mean age, 61 years). There were no fistulae reported, and the stricture rate was 14%. Eleven patients achieved oral diet sufficient to have the gastrostomy or jejunal tube removed. The patients who had tracheoesophageal puncture for voice developed functional speech. There were no flap losses. However, problems with salivary tube migration in the early cases have led to technique refinement. CONCLUSIONS: The low complication rates and the excellent functional outcomes make the anterolateral thigh flap in combination with a salivary bypass tube a viable option for reconstruction of these difficult defects.     

颈横动脉为蒂的带肩胛冈上斜方肌骨肌皮瓣在颌面缺损中的应用

目的　论述以颈横动脉 (Transversecervicalartery ,TCA)为蒂的带肩胛冈的上斜方肌骨肌皮瓣在颌面缺损中的应用 ;方法　以颈横动脉为血供 ,制成带肩胛骨的骨肌皮瓣转移至颌面部 ,修复颌面部缺损 ;结果　应用本法即刻修复颌面缺损 18例 ,全部成功 ,效果满意 ;结论　这一复合皮瓣 ,可提供足量的软、硬组织 ,适用于颌面部大面积缺损的修复 ,具有较高的美容学价值 ,是一种临床值得推荐、效果可靠的手术方法     

Reconstruction of complex thoraco-abdominal defects with extended anterolateral thigh flap

Background:

The reconstruction of complex thoraco-abdominal defects following tumour ablative procedures has evolved over the years from the use of pedicle flaps to free flaps. The free extended anterolateral thigh flap is a good choice to cover large defects in one stage.

Materials and Methods:

From 2004 to 2009, five patients with complex defects of the thoracic and abdominal wall following tumour ablation were reconstructed in one stage and were studied. The commonest tumour was chondrosarcoma. The skeletal component was reconstructed with methylmethacrylate bone cement and polypropylene mesh and the soft tissue with free extended anterolateral thigh flap. The flaps were anastomosed with internal mammary vessels. The donor sites of the flaps were covered with split-skin graft.

Result:

All the flaps survived well. One flap required re-exploration for venous congestion and was successfully salvaged. Two flaps had post operative wound infection and were managed conservatively. All flap donor sites developed hyper-pigmentation, contour deformity and cobble stone appearance.

Conclusion:

Single-stage reconstruction of the complex defects of the thoraco-abdominal region is feasible with extended anterolateral thigh flap and can be adopted as the first procedure of choice.