Free flap closure in complex congenital and acquired defects of the palate

Extensive palatal defects cause substantial morbidity, including nasal regurgitation, poor oral hygiene, loose-fitting obturators, and difficulty with speech. Microvascular techniques allow the surgeon to repair these complex defects with a one-stage reconstruction, in contrast to possible multistage local or regional flap reconstruction. In this retrospective review, the authors present their 5-year experience with free flap coverage of extensive palatal defects. From 1993 to 1998, 6 patients underwent free flap coverage of large palatal defects. The etiology of the large palatal defects included trauma (N = 1), neoplasm (N = 4), and a recurrent congenital cleft palatal fistula (N = 1). Three patients underwent osteocutaneous radial forearm flaps and 1 patient underwent a fasciocutaneous radial forearm flap. The remaining 2 patients underwent rectus abdominis muscle flaps. The ipsilateral facial artery and vein were used as the recipient vessels in all patients. There were no intraoperative complications (surgical or anesthetic). Postoperatively, 2 patients had surgical evacuation of small flap hematomas. One patient underwent revision of the fasciocutaneous flap. All flaps survived. In our experience, the benefits of free flap reconstruction of complex palatal fistulas seem to outweigh the risks of the operation, with reliable long-term results.     

Free flaps for type III complex pharyngoesophageal defects after enlarged ablative surgery for advanced cancer of larynx and hypopharynx

Free tissue transfer has become a useful technique for reconstruction of type III complex pharyngoesophageal defects after enlarged laryngectomy and partial or total pharyngoesophageal resection. We present a retrospective analysis of our experience with 36 patients who received free flaps for reconstruction of complex pharyngoesophageal defects associated with skin and soft-tissue defects. Free fasciocutaneous flaps and jejunum combined with a deltopectoral flap and musculocutaneous pectoralis major flap, gastro-omental flap, and combined latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous and cutaneous scapular flaps were used for reconstruction. Adjuvant therapy included preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy. Free flap failure occurred in 2 of 36 patients. Twenty-eight patients had good swallowing function. Better results with fewer complications in reconstruction of type III complex pharyngoesophageal defects were obtained with the use of a combined latissimus dorsi and scapular flap.     

Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with lateral thigh free flap

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the use of a lateral thigh free flap in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, which is often overlooked and less widely used despite its distinct advantages. METHODS: This study reviewed the patient's medical records, including the patient's age, gender, histopathologic diagnosis, surgical defects, flap size, flap survival, donor and recipient site complications, and swallowing function and voice rehabilitation. RESULTS: Twelve lateral thigh free flaps were used to primarily reconstruct the pharyngoesophagus in 11 patients after tumor resection from July 1997 to May 1999. Eleven of the 12 flaps (91.7%) were transferred successfully. In one patient, the flap failure occurred as a result of venous thrombosis, and therefore another lateral thigh free flap from the opposite thigh was used 3 days later. The swallowing function was restored in all patients. Prosthetic voice rehabilitation was successfully achieved in all five patients, who primarily underwent tracheoesophageal punctures. No frank fistula or stricture developed. Significant donor site morbidity was not noted. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral thigh free flap is useful and reliable in selected cases of pharyngoesophageal reconstruction and versatile in flap design with favorable functional outcomes of swallowing and voice rehabilitation with minimal donor site morbidity.     

An effective pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with free radial forearm flaps

Summary Treatment of cancer of the cervical aerodigestive tract is challenging due in part to the difficulty in reestablishment of pharyngoesophageal continuity after resection of the involved tract. From May 1989 to August 1990, six patients underwent immediate reconstruction utilizing microvascular transfer of free radial forearm flaps following resection of pharyngoesophageal neoplasms. A small island flap connected to the radial vascular pedicle by fasciocutaneous branch was used to monitor the vascular condition of the hidden fabricated free forearm flap. Stricture is the most troublesome complication of esophageal reconstruction using a conventional free forearm flap. Two small triangular flaps were designed and inserted bilaterally in the distal anastomosis of both lateral esophageal walls to prevent circular contracture. The outer layer sutures were anchored to surrounding rigid structures to withstand shrinkage and circular contraction. The problem of stricture was solved by these procedures. This one-stage, easily monitored operation for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction is considered to be as useful as a free jejunal transfer.     

Microsurgical free flap in head and neck reconstruction

Microsurgical free flaps are today considered state of the art in head and neck reconstruction after composite tumor resections. Free flaps provide superior functional and aesthetic restoration with less donor‐site morbidity. This article details our approach to this challenging and complex procedure. Free tissue transfer can be viewed as consisting of 4 essential stages: (1) defect assessment, (2) preparation of recipient vessels, (3) flap selection and harvest, and (4) flap inset and microsurgical anastomoses. The essential details of each step are highlighted. Meticulous attention to each step is important because each plays a crucial role in the overall success of the procedure. Workhorse flaps in our practice are the anterolateral thigh, radial forearm, fibula, and jejunum flaps. Unique issues related to postoperative care and monitoring of head and neck free flaps are discussed. The management of complications, in particular those threatening flap survival, are reviewed in detail. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010     

Comparison of anterolateral thigh and radial forearm free flap donor site morbidity

This study evaluated patient-reported outcome of the donor site in patients following head and neck cancer reconstruction. Patients who had undergone cancer reconstruction using either an anterolateral thigh or a radial forearm free flap and who were at least 6 months postsurgery were included and contacted by telephone. There were 37 patients (mean age 61 years, standard deviation 16 years) with 18 anterolateral thigh flaps and 19 radial forearm flaps. The majority of patients were not bothered by scar appearance, light touch, numbness or pain. Significantly more females (P = 0.038) and more patients with radial forearm flaps (P = 0.045) were bothered by the cold at the donor site and more females reported that the shape of the operated extremity was different (P = 0.009). Donor site morbidity is not significant following a radial forearm or anterolateral thigh free flap and the reconstruction should be based upon individual patient factors and surgeon expertise.     

Reconstruction of large palatal defects using the free anterolateral thigh flap

The ideal reconstructive method for the palatal defect should provide durable, stable coverage, and a natural contour, while simultaneously minimizing morbidity of both the defect and donor sites. Although small and usual palatal defects can be repaired easily using local adjacent tissues, successful closure of large, complex defects is still a challenging problem. Numerous free tissue options have to date been described for large palatal defects. Although the radial forearm flap constitutes a good option for ideal reconstructive goals, the sacrifice of a major artery to the hand and the skin graft to the forearm with its high potential risk of complications are evident problems attendant upon this donor site. Since the first report of the anterolateral thigh flap, this has become one of the most commonly used flaps for the reconstruction of various soft-tissue defects. Between April 2005 and May 2009, 8 free anterolateral thigh flaps were used to reconstruct defects of the palate. The study involved 6 male and 2 female patients, their ages ranging from 3 to 45. Five patients had palatal defects due to congenital cleft palate deformity, 2 patients had defects due to tumor resection, and the remaining patient had a palatal defect due to a gunshot wound. The size of the flaps ranged from 8 to 14 cm in length and from 4 to 7 cm in width. Facial vessels were used as recipient vascular sources in all patients. Primary thinning of the flap was performed in all cases. Donor sites were closed directly and healed uneventfully in all patients. There were no postoperative complications and all flaps survived totally. No debulking was needed. All patients, and their families in the case of child patients, were satisfied with the results of their surgical treatment. In conclusion, although it has some irregularity in derivation from the main vessels, with its evident structural and cosmetic advantages the anterolateral thigh flap can be considered an excellent and ideal free flap option for most large palatal defects that cannot be closed by regional tissue in selected patients. It can reconstruct defects in single stage with well-vascularized tissue, resulting in minimal donor site morbidity.     

Free anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of head and neck defects: preliminary results and a comparison with the radial forearm flap

BACKGROUND: The authors present their personal preliminary experience with the free anterolateral thigh flap in the reconstruction of head and neck defects and compare these first cases with the radial forearm flaps. METHODS: Seventeen patients undergoing free flap reconstruction between December 1998 and September 2001 have been selected for this retrospective study and evaluated. In fourteeen patients reconstruction was performed with a radial forearm flap. In three patients an anterolateral thigh flap was used. Six dissections on cadavers have also been performed in order to study the anatomical variations of the perforators of the lateral circumflex femoral system. RESULTS: All flaps survived, without any major vascular impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a laborious dissection of the pedicle the anterolateral thigh is a versatile flap, with a minimal morbidity of the donor area. Even if the radial forearm is overall accepted as the gold standard for head and neck reconstruction, the anterolateral thigh flap is suggested as a good and safe surgical option, especially when a large flap is requested or in female patients concerned with the cosmetic result in the forearm donor area.     

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.     

Autonomization of free flaps in the oral cavity: A prospective clinical study

Controversy exists over how long a free flap is dependent on its pedicle and if neovascularization is different between flap types, recipient sites, and irradiated and nonirradiated patients. An understanding of the timing of this process should optimize the safety of secondary procedures involving the flap. In a prospective clinical study, hemoglobin oxygenation and capillary flow were measured in 50 flaps (25 forearm flaps, 15 osteocutaneous fibula flaps, and 10 anterolateral thigh flaps) 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively. The flaps were located at the floor of the mouth, cheek, or tongue (n = 39) or at the hard or soft palate (n = 11). Measurements were carried out using the O2C monitoring system under temporary digital occlusion of the pedicle. After 4 weeks, 17 free flaps were found to be autonomized indicated by the O2C measurements comparing both values before and after digital compression of the vascular pedicle. After 12 weeks, 41 patients had completion of free flap autonomization, as indicated by the HbO(2) and CF before and after pedicle compression. The location of free flap in the lower jaw (P < 0.0001 after 4 weeks, P = 0.013 after 12 weeks), fasciocutaneous radial forearm flaps after 4 weeks (P < 0.0001), and not irradiated recipient site after 4 weeks (P = 0.014) were found to be positive factors significantly influencing autonomization. In conclusion, free flap autonomization depends on several variables which should be considered before further surgery after free flap reconstruction as the transferred tissue can be still dependent on its pedicle.     

Burned ear reconstruction using a prefabricated free radial forearm flap

Postauricular skin, postauricular fascia, temporoparietal fascia (pedicle or free), the free radial forearm flap (fascial or fasciocutaneous), and free lateral arm fascial flap, have been used for burned ear reconstruction reported in the literature. Patients who did not have normal tissue around the ear region, because of severe thermal injuries to the external ear, are not available for draping the costal cartilage framework; these patients require free flaps. The author reports a burned ear reconstruction, using a prefabricated free radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap, included an autogenous costal cartilage framework. In this case, the front and back of the cartilage framework were covered with the skin of the forearm flap. This is the main difference from other techniques in the literature. This flap is valuable for burned ear reconstruction, when local tissue and other free flaps are not available.     

Folded free radial forearm flap for reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the cheek

Background. Full thickness defects of the cheek have been conventionally reconstructed using the folded forehead flap, cervical flap, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, or deltopectoral flap in various combinations. We report a modified technique of folding the radial forearm flap for reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the cheek. Methods. The free radial forearm flap is a type C fasciocutaneous flap based on the radial artery along with its vena commitans and superficial forearm vein. The size and shape of the flap are determined according to the dimensions of the surgical defect. The flap is then lifted off with the fascia of the forearm making it a fasciocutaneous flap, in which the radial artery lies deep to the fascia and gives numerous branches. The flap is disconnected from the donor site only after the recipient vessels have been prepared for anastomosis. Vascular anastomosis is then performed using the operating microscope. This technique was used in 13 patients with carcinoma of the buccal mucosa who underwent full-thickness excision of the cheek. Results. Flap edema was observed in 4 patients in the immediate post-operative period. Necrosis of the outer paddle was seen in 1 patient. Donor site morbidity was seen in 4 patients who required dressings on an outpatient basis for up to 3 weeks. Conclusion. Single-stage reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the cheek with the folded free radial forearm flap is reliable and produces excellent cosmesis with minimal donor site morbidity. © 1995 Jons Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Closure of the ulnar forearm free flap donor site using a local radial forearm flap.

Thin, pliable cutaneous flaps with large calibre vessels ideal for microsurgical transfers are major attributes of the reliable forearm fasciocutaneous flaps. A major detriment, however, that must always be considered is the management of the residual donor site deformity. Just as this potential morbidity for small radial forearm free flap donor sites may be minimised by the V-Y advancement of a local ulnar forearm flap, the converse, using a local radial forearm flap for closure of the ulnar forearm free flap donor site, may be efficacious.     

Radial forearm free-flap reconstruction following radiotherapy and total laryngectomy

The authors' experience with six patients who underwent radial forearm free-flap reconstruction following radiotherapy and total laryngectomy is presented. All patients had undergone previous irradiation of 57.8 Gy on average as primary treatment for laryngeal cancer. A patch graft of the radial forearm free flap was used for pharyngoesophageal wall reconstruction in three patients, a radial forearm free flap for cervical soft tissue in one patient, and a double-folded radial forearm free flap for simultaneous pharyngoesophageal wall and cervical soft tissue in two patients. The free-flap transfers were successful in all patients. There was one patient who developed a small pharyngocutaneous fistula, which closed spontaneously. The radial forearm free flap is demonstrated to be a versatile technique for reconstruction of a moderate-sized defect in the treatment of laryngeal cancer.     

Free fasciocutaneous flaps for reconstruction of complete circumferential degloving injury of digits

Complete circumferential degloving injury of the digits usually results in a large cutaneous defect with tendinous structure and bone and joint exposure. When revascularization is not possible, a thin and adequately sized flap is required to resurface the defect, restore finger function, and prevent amputation. In this report, we present our experience with reconstruction of the entire circumferential degloving injury of the digits using free fasciocutaneous flaps. Between February 2006 and January 2011, 9 male patients with circumferential degloving injury of 9 digits underwent reconstruction using free fasciocutaneous flap transfer with the posterior interosseous artery flap, medial sural artery flap, anteromedial thigh flap, or radial forearm flap. The average flap size was 14.2 × 6.9 cm. Donor sites were closed primarily or covered with split‐thickness skin graft. All flaps survived completely and the donor sites healed without complications. The mean follow‐up period was 34.8 months. A maximum Kapandji score (10/10) was seen in 2 cases with crushed thumbs. All patients could achieve good key pinch and grasping functions. All skin flaps showed acceptable static 2‐point discrimination and adequate protective sensation. Patient satisfaction for resurfaced digits averaged 9 on a 10‐points visual analogic scale. In conclusion, the free fasciocutaneous flaps used were thin and did not interfere with finger movements. The patient's finger formed a smooth contour and acceptable functional results were obtained after reconstruction. This method may be a valuable alternative for reconstruction of entire circumferential avulsion injury of the digits. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.     

股前外侧组织瓣临床应用112例分析

目的 总结分析股前外侧组织瓣解剖规律及其在组织缺损修复重建中的适应证和应用价值。方法1985年3月-2004年8月，对112例股前外侧组织瓣移植进行临床总结。其中男67例，女45例。年龄5～65岁，平均38．5岁。针对受区不同情况，将股前外侧组织瓣切取分为4类：吻合血管的游离皮瓣移植78例；吻合血管的游离脂肪筋膜瓣移植22例；带蒂顺行岛状皮瓣移位5例；远端为蒂逆行岛状皮瓣移位7例。对面、颈、肢体、躯干等部位的软组织缺损所致功能障碍或外观缺陷进行修复，并对术后效果和供区恢复情况进行评价。结果营养股前外侧组织瓣的动脉皮支出现率100％，具有肌间隙皮穿支（33％）和肌皮穿支（67％）两种基本解剖类型。组织瓣源血管均为旋股外侧动脉降支或横支。皮瓣移植成活107例，成活率达95．6％。术后33例获随访6个月～11年，远期随访效果满意率91％，供区无功能受限。结论股前外侧组织瓣解剖恒定，具有多种突出优点，是修复软组织缺损的理想材料。尤其是穿支皮瓣形式，可保持受区形态，降低供区损伤，成为应用趋势。     

Creating two independent fasciocutaneous free flaps from a single radial forearm donor site

The authors describe the creation of two independent fasciocutaneous free flap units from a single radial forearm donor site. After the radial forearm flap is elevated in the standard manner, based on the entire length of the radial artery, the individual flap units are developed as island flaps based on the proximal and the distal radial artery respectively by transecting the radial artery, its accompanying veins, and the cephalic vein. Thus, two independent radial forearm free flaps are created from a single donor site: The proximal one has antegrade flow and the distal one has retrograde flow. The individual free flap units were transferred, and microvascular anastomoses were performed simultaneously by two surgical teams. This technique was used in 2 patients presenting with bilateral foot defects that required reconstruction with a thin, reliable flap such as the radial forearm flap.     

The short head of the biceps femoris as a monitor for the free lateral thigh flap in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction.

Free flaps are frequently used to reconstruct the defect following radical resection of pharyngoesophageal malignancy but postoperative monitoring of buried flaps is difficult. We have designed a monitoring-muscle flap using the short head of the biceps femoris muscle when using a free lateral thigh flap. The third and fourth perforators of the profunda femoris artery, the main vascular pedicle of the lateral thigh flap, pass through the short head of the biceps femoris. Partial excision of the short head of the biceps femoris muscle does not result in any functional disturbance of the leg, and the viability of the buried lateral thigh flap can be monitored by observing the exposed muscle through a small window in the neck. Between April and October 1998 five patients underwent pharyngoesophageal reconstruction by this method. The short head of the biceps femoris was used to monitor the main flap in three patients and to obliterate the dead space after neck dissection in two patients. There were no recipient-site complications such as fistula or infection and no disturbance of thigh function.     

Further experience with adipofascial ALT flap for oral cavity reconstruction

BACKGROUND: The restoration of the buccal mucosa is the main challenge for the plastic surgeon. In the past 15 years the free radial forearm flap has been widely used, due to its thickness and pliability. More recently, the anterolateral thigh free flap has become the customary flap in oral cavity reconstruction. METHODS: Six patients affected by oral cavity tumours underwent microsurgical reconstruction with the adipofascial anterolateral thigh free flap between December 2005 and December 2006. RESULTS: One flap was lost due to venous thrombosis. In the other five flaps the postoperative period was uneventful. The patients are still free from disease. Multiple biopsies were performed to compare the neo-mucosa with the native. No relevant differences have emerged. CONCLUSIONS: Replacing tissue with like tissue should be the surgeon's aim. In the authors' opinion, the adipofascial variation of the anterolateral thigh free flap is the ideal replacement for oral cavity mucosa, allowing good fixation and mobility, and optimum aesthetic and functional results. It can be thinned to fit the defect with low risk. The patching condition resulting from fasciocutaneous flaps reconstruction is avoided. The remucosalisation of the flap occurs in about 1 month for the neo-mucosal functions as it does in the native tissue. It is non-hair bearing and is not influenced by postoperative radiotherapy.     

Thirty-eight free fasciocutaneous flap transfers in acute burned-hand injuries

The benefits of free flap transfers in the acute burn injury are early wound closure, early mobility, reduced hospitalization, and possibly limb salvage. This retrospective study will attempt to provide principles to the use of free fasciocutaneous flap for the reconstruction of acute burned-hand injuries. Between 1995 and 2004, 5521 patients were admitted to the burn unit at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Of these, 38 patients (0.7%) patients received free fasciocutaneous flap transfers. Each patient's chart was reviewed the following data: age, gender, burn injury type, percentage of the burned area to total body surface area, flap type, operations prior to free flap coverage, the size and location of recipient area, timing of free flap coverage, operative time, duration of hospital stay, complications, flap survival and returning to work. All 38 free flaps survived and healed well. Three flaps with partial necrosis due to wound infections required subsequent debridement and skin grafting. Arterial thrombosis occurred in one patient and was salvaged successfully. Minimal donor-site morbidity with no intraoperative mortality was observed. Free fasciocutaneous flap transfer is a safe, efficacious one-stage reconstruction for acute burned-hands with satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. Flap survival is not affected neither by the etiologies of burn nor the timing of free flap coverage.