The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMC flap) represents a landmark in the development of head and neck reconstructive surgery. After Stephan Ariyan first described its use for head and neck reconstruction in 1979, it has become tremendously popular and has revolutionised head and neck cancer surgery. Here, we present our initial experience with fourteen PMMC flaps in head and neck reconstruction. In most of the instances it was used for oral or oropharyngeal reconstruction. It was used for five other reconstructive tasks as well. Wound infection was the most common complication. There was no case of total flap loss. It has proven to be a reliable method of reconstuction in the head and neck.     

The risks of major head and neck surgery in the aged population

A review of 162 major head and neck operative cases for cancer in patients over age 70 from 1963-1973 are reviewed. The major and minor surgical complication rates and the rate of medical complications are compared to 552 similar procedures in patients under age 70, during the same time period. The operative mortality figures for each group, as well as the causes of death, are examined. A plea is made for aggressive therapy in the elderly, both in the surgical planning and in their pre- and postoperative care.     

头颈部淋巴管畸形的CT诊断价值

目的 探讨儿童头颈部淋巴管畸形(lymphatic malformation, LM)的CT表现及诊断价值。方法 回顾性分析2016—2021年收治的57例经手术及病理证实的头颈部LM患者的CT资料。结果 2岁以内41例,病灶位于左侧26例,右侧26例,双侧5例;位于颈部、咽旁26例,头面部8例,跨越头面、颈或纵隔23例。临床表现无痛性肿块53例,面容改变25例,喉喘鸣、呼吸困难或吞咽困难7例,上述临床表现可单独或者同时出现。单房型25例,多房型32例;瘤内合并出血者30例;55例CT诊断LM,阳性率96.5%(55/57)。CT可表现单房或多房,呈圆形、不规则形及分叶状低密度或等密度影,沿着组织间隙呈现爬行性生长,边界清楚或不清,部分患者可见分隔影,增强后囊内容物不强化,纤维状分隔及囊壁呈点状、条状、条索状及网格状强化。合并感染或出血时CT值升高,部分患者可见液-液平面。结论 CT检查能清晰显示头颈部LM的位置、大小和累及范围,且具有一定的特征性表现,对LM的诊断和制定治疗方案具有重要价值。     

Distant lymphatic metastasis from head and neck cancer.

A predictable pattern of metastasis based on tumor histology and site of origin has been well documented for most cancers that arise in the head and neck region. The current study demonstrates that this predictable pattern of metastasis can be significantly impacted by previous therapy, resulting in unusual patterns of metastasis in patients with recurrent tumors. A retrospective case series of 5 patients with head and neck carcinomas who developed metastases to distant lymph nodes is presented. All patients underwent surgery and radiotherapy to the primary tumor and regional lymphatics at the time of their initial treatment. All of the patients developed a local recurrence less than a year before the detection of distant lymphatic metastases. Cytology or excision confirmed metastases to the axillary, inguinal, or anterior intercostal lymph nodes. All of the patients underwent aggressive surgery for attempted cure of the local recurrence shortly before the presence of distant lymphatic metastases was clinically recognized. The metastatic workup of patients with carcinomas of the head and neck frequently includes examination of the regional lymph nodes as well as chest radiography, liver function tests, and serum calcium determination. This evaluation may fail to detect metastases to distant lymph nodes in patients who present with recurrent or second primary cancers. Such patients should undergo careful examination of all major lymph node-bearing regions of the body when being evaluated for the presence of distant metastases.     

Flap reconstruction in major surgery of the head and neck

The challenging restoration of form and function in radical surgery of the head and neck demands sound concepts and proper execution in reconstruction. Flaps are most frequently employed in reconstruction, following major surgery because of their rich blood supply and cosmetic superiority. Of the many types of flaps known, the midline forehead flap, tem-poroforehead flap, mastoid-occipital flap, tongue flap, and deltopectoral flap have enjoyed most popularity. The design and application of these flaps are discussed. Our techniques in reconstruction of the oral cavity, hypopharynx, esophagus, nose, Andy-Gump deformities (anterior jaw complex resection), pharyngo-orocutaneous fistulas, and radionecrosis of the mandible are presented.     

儿童头颈部淋巴管畸形的外科治疗

目的 探讨儿童头颈部淋巴管畸形的外科治疗方法和疗效.方法 回顾性总结北京大学第一医院自1998年1月至2008年12月住院治疗的11例儿童短径大于4 cm的头颈部淋巴管畸形.11例儿童头颈部淋巴管畸形均行增强CT或MRI扫描检查,治疗均采用外科手术治疗,其中行肿物及腮腺浅叶切除4例,肿物及腮腺全切除2例,颈清扫术式切除肿物2例,颈清扫术式联合开胸术切除肿物1例,颌下肿物切除术2例.术中采用假包膜外剥离法及顺行解剖面神经主干法,肿物与面神经粘连紧密的2例行肿物剔除术.其中6例行外周面神经解剖,2例行面神经下颌缘支解剖.结果 11例儿童头颈部肿物均彻底切除,无器官功能异常,无明显外形变化,治愈率为100%.3例在行面神经下颌缘支解剖和肿物切除时牵拉下颌缘支出现轻度面瘫(下颌缘支力弱),1例颈部广泛肿物行颈清扫术后出现Homer综合征,均在神经营养治疗后术后1～3个月内恢复.1例1岁患儿行颈清扫术式联合开胸术切除肿物的术中输血150 ml.所有病例随访6～121个月,随访中位数32个月,未见肿物复发.结论 采用面神经解剖及(或)颈部解剖、肿物假包膜外剥离法等手术可以根治儿童头颈部大型淋巴管畸形,是保留功能、防止畸形的有效方法.     

Bleomycin sclerotherapy in congenital lymphatic and vascular malformations of head and neck

Bleomycin is an established antineoplastic drug, but recently some attempts were made to inject it locally as a sclerosing agent in cases of congenital lymphatic malformations. We present the outcome of this treatment modality tried on 10 paediatric cases of whom 9 had such malformation in the cervical region and one in the parotid region. Seven of these cases had congenital lymphatic malformation while three had haemodynamically less active congenital vascular malformation. All these children were subjected to percutaneous intralesional administration of bleomycin. The size of swelling reduced by 50% or more in seven patients out of which three showed complete or near complete response. There were no major deleterious side effects.     

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.     

Pectoralis major muscle flap in head and neck reconstruction

Pectoralis major muscle flaps have rarely been used on their own for head and neck reconstruction. Some of the problems experienced with myocutaneous flaps can be avoided by the judicious use of muscle flaps. These include suture line separation, excessive bulk, hair growth from the flap, and alteration of breast position. In contrast to the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, the pectoralis major muscle flap is light and pliable. When it is employed for reconstruction in the oral cavity, oropharynx, or hypopharynx, it can be covered by a "quilted" skin graft or used on its own. We believe that pectoralis major muscle flaps provide a valuable alternative to the more bulky myocutaneous flaps in head and neck reconstruction.     

Sudden death after major head and neck surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review will discuss the mortality after major ear, nose and throat surgery, particularly sudden death. It will also discuss the postoperative follow-up of patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Sudden death is a rare event after major ear, nose and throat surgery, and occurs mainly during the first three postoperative days. SUMMARY: In more recent studies, the mortality rate after neck dissection was below 4%, which is at a lower value than reported in previous studies. Sudden deaths have been described, however, mainly during the first three postoperative days. Alcoholism and perioperative hypotension are two predictive factors for cardiac complications. Careful follow-up of these patients during the early postoperative period should be performed to reduce the mortality by shortening the delay of care.