Monitoring a free anterolateral thigh flap for pharyngeal reconstruction

Aim: To describe a novel way of monitoring a buried fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap used for pharyngeal reconstruction. Methods: A tubed ALT flap was used to reconstruct a circumferential pharyngeal defect following resection of a carcinoma. An island of skin based on a separate perforator and externalized through the neck incision was used to monitor the flap. It was removed as a bedside procedure on the fifth postoperative day. Results: The externalized skin island allowed easy monitoring of the buried tubed free‐flap used to reconstruct the pharynx. Simple clinical parameters such as temperature, colour and capillary refill were used to monitor the flap instead of more complex and invasive methods. Conclusion: When feasible, a second skin island based on a separate set of perforator vessels provides an easy, safe and simple method of monitoring a buried free‐flap.     

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.     

穿支游离皮瓣修复头颈肿瘤术后缺损

目的 探索更为理想的穿支游离皮瓣修复技术，运用于头颈肿瘤术后缺损。方法 2003年12月-2005年5月用于头颈部手术缺损修复的穿支游离皮瓣共14例（股前外侧皮瓣8例，腹壁下深动脉穿支皮瓣6例）。其中10例为复发后挽救手术，12例曾行放疗（平均63．5Gy）。头颈部肿瘤手术缺损部位分别为舌体3例，颊黏膜3例，口咽壁3例，舌根2例，颅底、头皮以及中面部各1例。受区供吻合动脉主要是甲状腺上动脉和面动脉；静脉为颈内静脉。结果 13例穿支游离皮瓣成功（93％），有1例穿支皮瓣因吻合侧的颈内静脉血栓形成导致皮瓣坏死。受区未发现其它明显并发症。供区均直接缝合关闭并一期愈合，未发现腹壁疝和运动受限等手术并发症。结论 穿支游离皮瓣保留了供区的肌肉、筋膜和神经，将供区的并发症降到最低限度，是头颈部缺损修复新的可靠技术。     

Simultaneous reconstruction of head and neck defects following tumor resection and trismus release with a single anterolateral thigh donor site utilizing a lateral approach to flap harvest

Background: An anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has gradually become the workhorse flap of reconstructions at different anatomical locations because of its reliability and versatility. In this study, we introduced the concepts: one is the ALT flap harvest from a lateral approach and the other is the reconstruction of extensive head and neck defects with a single ALT donor site. Methods: A lateral approach ALT flap was harvested in 13 patients who had buccal cancer and/or tumors of the lower lip combined with buccal trismus. Three types of ALT flaps (type I: two skin paddles, one pedicle; type II: two skin paddles, two pedicles; type III: one skin paddle, one pedicle) were used in one‐stage reconstructions of these extensive head and neck defects. Results: In our series, there were four type I, five type II, and four type III flaps. All flaps survived and no major postoperative complication occurred. Four of the 13 donor sites were repaired with a split‐thickness skin graft harvested from the contralateral thigh. The immediate interincisor distance increase was 21.4 and 16.5 mm at 1‐year follow‐up. Conclusions: Different types of ALT flap from a single donor site can be designed by means of a lateral approach; and the satisfactory results of reconstruction for extensive head and neck defects following the tumor resection and trismus release can be achieved. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.     

Two modifications of the radial forearm flap for reconstruction of complex facial defects

The free radial forearm flap has been one of the most common free flaps of recent decades. This flap is employed predominantly in head and neck reconstruction. The possibility of combining bone, muscle, and nerves with the fasciocutaneous flap greatly enhanced reconstructive options. However, the frequently unsightly donor site and the development of other readily available free flaps have led to a decline in the use of the radial forearm flap. Nevertheless, for reconstruction in head and neck surgery, with the need for thin, pliable tissues and a long vascular pedicle, the radial forearm flap still remains a prime choice. Two modifications of the standard forearm flap are presented. The first patient had two large defects at the nose and mental area after radical resection of a basal-cell carcinoma. Soft-tissue reconstruction was achieved with a conventional forearm flap and a second additional skin island based on a perforator vessel originating proximally from the pedicle. Both skin islands were independently mobile and could be sutured tension-free into the defects after tunneling through the cheek, with vascular anastomosis to the facial vessels. The second patient required additional volume to fill the orbital cavity after enucleation of the eye due to an ulcerating basal-cell carcinoma. In this case, the body of the flexor carpi radialis muscle was included in the skin flap to fill the defect. The skin island was used to reconstruct the major soft-tissue defect.     

Computed tomography angiography imaging for the chimeric anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of full thickness buccal defect

Background: Microvascular free flap transplantation is the current most common choice for reconstruction of difficult through‐and‐through buccal defect after cancer extirpation. The chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is an ideal flap to cover this full thickness defect, but variation in the location of perforators is a major concern. Herein, we introduce computed tomographic angiography (CTA)‐guided mathematical perforators mapping for chimeric ALT flap design and harvest. Methods: Between September 2008 and March 2009, nine patients with head and neck tumour underwent preoperative CTA perforator mapping before free ALT flap reconstruction of full thickness buccal defects. The perforators were marked on a 64‐section multi‐detector CT image for each patient, and the actual perforator locations were correlated with the intra‐operative dissection. The donor limb of choice, either right or left, was also selected based on the dominant vascularity. Flap success rates, any associated morbidity and complications were recorded. Results: A total of 23 perforators were identified on CTA image preoperatively. Twenty‐two of these perforators were chosen for chimeric flap design, and all were located as the CTA predicted, with the rate of utilization being 95.7% (22/23). There were two post‐operative complications, including one partial flap necrosis and one microstomia. All of the ALT flaps survived, and there was no donor site morbidity. Conclusions: Preoperative CTA allows accurate perforator mapping and evaluation of the dominant vascularity. It helps the surgeon to get an ideal designing of the chimeric ALT flap with two skin paddles based on individual perforators, but only one vascular anastomosis in reconstruction of full thickness buccal defects.     

Reconstructive indications of simultaneous double free flaps in the head and neck: A case series and literature review

Extensive and complex defects of the head and neck involving multiple anatomical and functional subunits are a reconstructive challenge. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the reconstructive indications of the use of simultaneous double free flaps in head and neck oncological surgery. This is a retrospective review of 21 consecutive cases of head and neck malignancies treated surgically with resection and reconstruction with simultaneous use of double free flaps. Nineteen of 21 patients had T4 primary tumor stage. Eleven patients had prior history of radiotherapy or chemo‐radiotherapy. Forty‐two free flaps were used in these patients. The predominant combination was that of free fibula osteo‐cutaneous flap with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) fascio‐cutaneous flap. The indications of the simultaneous use of double free flaps can be broadly classified as: (a) large oro‐mandibular bone and soft tissue defects (n = 13), (b) large oro‐mandibular soft tissue defects (n = 4), (c) complex skull‐base defects (n = 2), and (d) dynamic total tongue reconstruction (n = 2). Flap survival rate was 95%. Median follow‐up period was 11 months. Twelve patients were alive and free of disease at the end of the follow‐up. Eighteen of 19 patients with oro‐mandibular and glossectomy defects were able to resume an oral diet within two months while one patient remained gastrostomy dependant till his death due to disease not related to cancer. This patient had a combination of free fibula flap with free ALT flap, for an extensive oro‐mandibular defect. The associated large defect involving the tongue accounted for the swallowing difficulty. Simultaneous use of double free flap aided the reconstruction in certain large complex defects after head and neck oncologic resections. Such combination permits better complex multiaxial subunit reconstruction. An algorithm for choice of flap combination for the appropriate indications is proposed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.     

Free tissue transfers in head and neck reconstruction: Complications,outcomes and strategies for management of flap failure: Analysis of 2019 flaps in single institute

Background: Free tissue transfer has become the preferred option for complex reconstructions in head and neck cancer ablation. This study reviewed the surgical outcome and analyzed the evolution of microsurgical head and neck reconstruction over 20 years in single institute. Patients and Methods: A total of 1,918 patients underwent microsurgical head and neck reconstructions in 20‐year period. The surgical outcome and complications among these 2,019 flaps (1,223 anterolateral thigh flaps, 372 fibula flaps, 353 radial forearm flaps, 12 jejunal flaps, and 59 others) were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Results: A total of 201 cases required emergent surgical re‐exploration and the overall flap success rate was 96.2%. Venous insufficiency was the most common cause for re‐exploration. Other major complications included fistula formation (5.4%), partial flap necrosis (7.5%), and infection (17.8%). The fibula flap had frequent complications compared with soft tissue flaps. The familiarity to the ALT flap had minimized complications and allowed for widely versatile uses. Conclusion: Free tissue transfer is shown to be highly reliable option for head and neck reconstruction. For soft tissue defect, ALT flap is the first choice. Fibula flap is ideal for bone defect reconstruction. In case of complex composite defects, double flaps, which include ALT and fibula flaps could reconstruct bone and soft tissue defects simultaneously with high success rate. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:339–344, 2014.     

吻合血管的股前外侧皮瓣修复头颈肿瘤术后复杂缺损

目的：评价吻合血管的股前外侧皮瓣在头颈肿瘤术后复杂缺损修复中的作用。方法：1990年5月-2001年4月，应用吻合血管的股前外侧皮瓣移植，修复口颊癌、喉癌、面部皮肤癌、上颌窦癌术后大面积软组织复杂缺损21例。结果：19例成功，1例皮瓣部分坏死，1例失败。随诊6个月到10年，9例无瘤生存，外观及功能满意；2例带瘤生存；5例死于局部复发；4例分别死于颈淋巴结转移、脑转移、第二原发癌及脑血管意外；1例失访。结论：吻合血管的股前外侧皮瓣可提供充足的组织量、存活率高、供区隐蔽、不牺牲重要血管，适用于修复头颈肿瘤术后复杂缺损。     

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。     

Synchronous reconstruction of the floor of mouth and chin with a single skin island fibular free flap

Objectives: The goal this presentation is to: 1) Review the reconstructive options for anterior mandible through‐and‐through composite defects and 2) Instruct the audience in the application of the double‐skin paddle fibular flap in selected patients. Methods: Case presentation with review of the literature. Results: A 70‐year old male with an anterior floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma underwent composite resection that included resection of a 5‐cm ovoid component of overlying chin skin. The defect was reconstructed with a fibular osteocutaneous flap with a double skin paddle technique. Conclusions: Several reconstructive options have been described in the literature for extended oral cavity defects including the use of multiple free flaps, combinations of regional and distant flaps, and sequential reconstruction. This case report reviews the use of a single flap reconstruction of these defects for selected patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.     

Using the distal part of vastus lateralis muscle as chimeric anterolateral thigh free flap is a more flexible tool for head and neck reconstruction

The chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap with vastus lateralis (VL) has been our workhorse for soft tissue head and neck reconstruction following cancer resection. Using the distal portion of the VL muscle, as part of the chimeric flap, which is based on the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and supplied separately from the skin paddle of the flap, has proved to be a more flexible tool for coverage of these extensive and multidimensional defects. The ALT flap has been a reliable soft tissue source and has shown superiority over other flaps for head and neck reconstruction, especially over its main rival, the radial forearm flap. It offers many advantages and in spite of the intramuscular dissection of the perforator(s) being a challenge, having gained substantial experience in raising this flap, we think that the flap can be harvested safely using a careful dissection, refinements of the surgical technique and understanding of the variable anatomy of the thigh region. This flap solves the problems, which are often encountered by the reconstructive surgeon such as the pedicle length, flap inset, and deficiency of recipient vessels. The purpose of this study is to describe the operative technique, the clinical applications, and the advantages of this variation of the chimeric ALT flap.     

胸廓内动脉穿支皮瓣修复气管造瘘口和颈前皮肤缺损

目的 探索带蒂胸廓内动脉穿支皮瓣修复气管造瘘口和颈前皮肤缺损的临床效果.方法 2009年4月至12月应用带蒂胸廓内动脉穿支皮瓣修复颈部皮肤缺损共4例,其中气管造瘘口周围缺损2例,颈部手术后皮肤缺损2例.4例均选择第2肋间穿支血管供血,皮瓣面积(4～7)cm×(10～13)cm.结果 3例皮瓣全部存活,1例发生部分坏死.供区缺损均直接拉拢关闭且无并发症.结论 带蒂胸廓内动脉穿支皮瓣是头颈部缺损修复的新技术,供区并发症低,主要适用于气管造瘘口和颈部手术后皮肤缺损.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the application of pedicled internal mammary artery perforator(IMAP) flap for tracheostoma and anterior cervical defect. Methods From April to December 2009, 4 IMAP flaps, based on the second internal mammary artery perforator, were used for two cases of tracheostoma and two cases of anterior cervical skin defect. The flap size was (4-7) cm× ( 10-13 )cm.Results 3 of 4 flaps survived completely. Partial necrosis happened in one flap. The defects at donor sites were closed directly. Conclusions The IMAP flap is a new method for head and neck defect. It is very suitable for tracheostoma and cervical skin defect, with less morbidity at donor site.     

游离股前外侧皮瓣修复口腔软组织缺损

目的 探讨分析3种游离股前外侧皮瓣在口腔软组织缺损修复中的临床特点与治疗效果。方法 2008年12月至2010年12月收治67例口腔肿瘤患者,切除肿瘤的同时,应用游离股前外侧皮瓣修复缺损处,包括舌、颊、牙龈、口底,通常将皮瓣的旋股外侧动脉降支与受区的颌外动脉或甲状腺上动脉吻合,伴行静脉与受区的面总静脉或颈外静脉吻合。根据游离股前外侧皮瓣的厚度将其分成3种类型：股前外侧肌皮瓣、股前外侧脂肪筋膜皮瓣和薄型股前外侧皮瓣。结果 67例中股前外侧肌皮瓣为35例,股前外侧脂肪筋膜皮瓣17例,薄型股前外侧皮瓣15例。66例皮瓣存活,成功率为98.5％,其中1例糖尿病患者皮瓣发生小部分坏死,经清创换药后痊愈;1例皮瓣完全坏死。67例皮瓣中41例吻合2条静脉,26例吻合1条静脉。8例出现血管危象：6例为静脉血栓（5例抢救成功、1例皮瓣完全坏死）,1例为术区血肿,1例为穿支血管扭转,经过相应处理,血管危象均得到缓解。术后随访2～ 24个月,平均8.7个月,受区组织缺损修复效果满意,供区创面愈合良好。结论 游离股前外侧皮瓣的受区功能良好,供区并发症少,是一种修复口腔软组织缺损的较为理想的方法。     

Total scalp reconstruction with bilateral anterolateral thigh flaps

Large scalp defects can require complicated options for reconstruction, often only achieved with free flaps. In some cases, even a single free flap may not suffice. We review the literature for options in the coverage of all reported large scalp defects, and report a unique case in which total scalp reconstruction was required. In this case, two anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were used to resurface a large scalp and defect, covering a total of 743 cm(2). The defect occurred after resection and radiotherapy for desmoplastic melanoma, with several failed skin grafts and local flaps and osteoradionecrosis involving both inner and outer tables of the skull. The reconstruction was achieved as a single-stage reconstruction and involved wide resection of cranium and overlying soft-tissues and reconstruction with calcium phosphate bone graft substitute, titanium mesh, and two large ALT flaps. The reconstruction was successfully achieved, with minor postoperative complications including tip necrosis of one of the flaps and wound breakdown at one of the donor sites. This is the first reported case of two large ALT flaps for scalp resurfacing and may be the largest reported scalp defect to be completely resurfaced by free flaps. The use of bilateral ALT flaps can be a viable option for the reconstruction of large and/or complicated scalp defects.     

The IMAP flap for pharygoesophageal reconstruction following stricture release

Small-medium pharyngo-oesophageal or peri-tracheostoma defects represent a difficult reconstructive problem. Previous solutions included locoregional options such as the deltopectoral flap, or microvascular free tissue transfer. The authors present a novel application of the internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap for reconstructing such defects. The IMAP flap may be mapped using pre-operative Doppler or CTA, and is raised on a single perforator. The relatively quick and simple flap raise provides robust fasciocutaneous tissue, may be tunneled subcutaneously to reach the neck and yields an inconspicuous donor site. The authors provide several cases demonstrating applications of the IMAP flap for reconstructing small-medium sized defects following release of annular pharyngoesophageal stricture, and studies documenting post-operative swallow. Overall, the pedicled IMAP fasciocutaneous flap is a useful technique to provide excellent composite tissue to reconstruct defects resulting from release of annular pharyngeal strictures. It is technically simple, and yields an inconspicuous anterior chest donor site.     

Reconstruction of large head and neck deformities: Experience with free gracilis muscle and myocutaneous flaps

Microvascular free flaps continue to revolutionize coverage options in head and neck reconstruction. The authors describe their experience with the gracilis free flap and the myocutaneous gracilis free flap with reconstruction of head and neck defects. Eleven patients underwent 12 free tissue transfer to the head and neck region. The reconstruction was performed with the transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap (n = 7) and the gracilis muscle flap with skin graft (n = 5). The average patient age was 63.4 years (range, 17–82 years). The indications for this procedure were tumor and haemangioma resections. The average patient follow‐up was 20.7 months (range, 1 month–5.7 years). Total flap survival was 100%. There were no partial flap losses. Primary wound healing occurred in all cases. Recipient site morbidities included one hematoma. In our experience for reconstruction of moderate volume and surface area defects, muscle flaps with skin graft provide a better color match and skin texture relative to myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous flaps. The gracilis muscle free flap is not widely used for head and neck reconstruction but has the potential to give good results. As a filling substance for large cavities, the transverse myocutaneus gracilis flap has many advantages including reliable vascular anatomy, relatively great plasticity and a concealed donor area. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.     

Head and neck reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: A report of two cases

Rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (RAMC) free flaps are preferred for head and neck reconstruction because of the abundant blood supply to the rectus abdominis musculocutaneous. In contrast, the indications for deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flaps in head and neck reconstruction are limited. In this report, two cases of oral cavity reconstruction with DIEP free flaps are described. In both cases, the defect was reconstructed with a DIEP free flap because it could avoid functional damage to the donor site. Successful reconstruction with a two skin‐island method was performed in both patients. Furthermore, donor site morbidity was minimal in both patients. When a DIEP free flap is used for head and neck reconstruction, elimination of dead space is the most difficult problem, because a DIEP free flap does not contain well‐vascularized muscle tissue. We compensate for this disadvantage with a flap designed to include a de‐epithelialized skin flap. Although this technique is not always the first choice for head and neck reconstruction, it is suitable for patients who wish to avoid donor site morbidity. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.     

Internal mammary artery perforator flap for head and neck reconstruction

Background: The internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap is a useful modification of the classic deltopectoral flap that has a number of important roles in head and neck reconstruction. Methods and results: In this report, we describe the technique used to plan and raise the flap and demonstrate its use in three different clinical scenarios. Results and conclusions: The IMAP flap is a pedicled fasciocutaneous flap that is based on single or multiple internal mammary artery perforators. As such, it provides thin pliable tissue with a wide arc of rotation that is suitable for cutaneous, pharyngeal and tracheostomal reconstruction. Moreover, the flap is well‐vascularised, reliable and the donor site can be closed primarily.     

ONE-STAGE RECONSTRUCTION OF DEFECTS IN THE HYPOPHARYNGEAL REGION WITH FREE FLAPS

Despite the almost universal poor prognosis, the reconstruction of combined cervical skin and hypopharyngeal defects after extensive resection of tumour should maintain optimal quality of life. From 1992 to 1996 we treated 10 patients with combined skin and hypopharyngeal defects with five fasciocutaneous free flaps, three myocutaneous latissimus dorsi free flaps, one myocutaneous VRAM (vertical rectus abdominis muscle) free flap and one free radial forearm flap. None of our flaps failed. The complications that required revision (one arterial bleeding, one arterial thrombosis, two fistula formations, one superficial wound dehiscence, one haematoma) occurred mainly in those patients having secondary reconstructions. After primary extensive oncological resection of these tumours reconstruction should be done in one stage. The primary reconstruction should provide sufficient pharyngeal lining, a satisfactory covering of cervical soft-tissue, and adequate functional rehabilitation. We have reviewed our experience and conclusions about the advantages, disadvantages, and current indications for different free flaps in the reconstruction of combined hypopharyngeal, cervico-oesophageal, and cervical skin defects.