Prelamination of the latissimus dorsi flap for reconstruction in head and neck surgery

Free microsurgical tissue transfer of the latissimus dorsi flap may be indicated for the restoration of intra- and extraoral defects, especially when a large-sized skin island flap is required. In many cases, use of the latissimus dorsi flap for coverage of large-sized intraoral defects results in bulkiness due to the proportion of subcutaneous fat. Prelamination of free flaps appears to be a promising technique to overcome this flap bulkiness. This modification in flap design could improve the postoperative functional outcome, as well as reduce donor site morbidity. This article presents four novel clinical cases, in which the patients underwent prelamination of the latissimus dorsi flap with local skin grafts during oral cancer treatment in order to reduce the thickness of the free flap and allow tension-free primary closure of the donor site. These attempts successfully covered large-sized intraoral defects, achieving good functional outcomes with minimal donor site morbidity.     

Reconstruction for large defects of the scalp and cranium.

Thirty-one patients with large scalp and cranium defects were reconstructed with free tissue transfer and scalp flaps. Twenty-eight of the defects resulted after tumour resection, two after infection and one after an extensive burn. Thirty-one free flaps (mainly the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous and the radial forearm fasciocutaneous) and five large (> 200 cm2) scalp flaps were used. Major complications occurred in one patient who developed meningitis and finally died (3.2%), and in one patient who lost a latissimus dorsi flap (3.2%). There were no other significant problems with the remaining patients. All other free flaps and scalp flaps survived. Primary reconstruction with free tissue transfer was our first choice of treatment because of the wide spectrum of advantages of free flaps. However, in a limited number of cases there was an indication for large scalp flaps, which, when properly designed, gave satisfactory results.     

Reconstruction following radical maxillectomy with flaps supplied by the subscapular artery.

The authors present their experience of 27 cases with repairs of defects following radical maxillectomies with free flaps. A total of 28 flaps were used (five latissimus dorsi, six scapula, 16 combination flaps of scapula and latissimus dorsi and one combination of scapula, latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior flap). Only one scapula flap was completely lost and in three cases where a combination of scapula and latissimus dorsi flap was used, partial necrosis of one component occurred. The authors first choice for reconstruction is a scapula bone flap raised on the angular artery combined with the latissimus dorsi flap. The combination of flaps with a long pedicle and of the bony and muscular components provides the surgeon with the option of customizing the flap to meet individual patient needs. For intraoral closure the authors prefer the latissimus dorsi muscle which rarely requires secondary procedures for prosthesis placement following epithelialization and atrophy. The main disadvantage of the flap is the difficulty of two teams working simultaneously, thus increasing the average operating time. All postoperative corrections and prosthetic rehabilitation should be postponed for at least 2 months following surgery because of postoperative swelling.     

Parry-Romberg综合征19例报道

目的 回顾分析Parry-Romberg综合征的临床特征、诊断要点，并探讨5种血管化游离组织瓣(腹股沟真皮脂肪瓣、大网膜瓣、背阔肌瓣、前锯肌瓣、背阔肌-前锯肌-蒂双瓣)行颜面萎缩畸形整复的临床价值。方法 对19例Parry—Romberg综合征患者进行回顾性研究．分析病程、发病部位，临床表现、游离组织瓣的选择、术后随访功能恢复情况．探讨不同组织瓣行颜面萎缩畸形充填整复的适应证和优缺点。本组病例中男性9例，女性l0例。年龄12-48岁，中位年龄23岁。右侧11例，左侧8例。病程4-16a，中位病程9a。病损涉及半侧颜面组织，如皮肤、皮下组织、肌、软骨及骨．造成部分或全部萎缩。结果 19例患者全部用游离组织瓣修复，其中腹股沟真皮脂肪瓣ll例，大网膜瓣4例，背阔肌瓣2例．前锯肌瓣1例，前锯肌瓣 背阔肌-蒂双瓣l例。所有组织瓣均经血管吻合，除l例腹股沟真皮脂肪瓣因术后感染发生部分坏死液化外，其余均全部成活(94．7％)，术后随访6个月-5a，除3例因局部臃肿等原因需行二期修复外．颜面凹陷畸形得到满意修复。结论 应用吻合血管的游离组织移植技术矫正Parry-Romberg综合征颜面萎缩畸形，恢复和重建颜面形态和丰满度，有着良好的效果。腹股沟真皮脂肪瓣具有供区隐蔽，组织供应量大，且其吸收有一定自限性等特点。最多用于这种畸形的填塞修复。前锯肌或联合背阔肌瓣，由于可以同期进行神经吻合的动力性修复，且血管蒂解剖恒定．值得推荐应用。而大网膜瓣由于需剖腹．患者易产生恐惧心理而拒绝,宜作二线选择。     

背阔肌、前锯肌单蒂双岛肌皮瓣修复上颌骨大型缺损

目的 :采用背阔肌、前锯肌单蒂双岛肌皮瓣修复上颌骨扩大切除术后的大型缺损 ,为此类组织缺损寻求一种理想的外科修复方法。方法 :根据胸背血管在背阔肌内走行的解剖部位设计成单蒂双岛肌皮瓣。胸背动脉内、外侧枝的背阔肌肌皮瓣修复口内外或面眶区硬软组织缺损 ;胸外侧动脉的前锯肌肌瓣插入背阔肌内作为充填上颌骨或颅底缺损的空腔 ,并详细介绍手术方法。结果 :共施手术 8例 ,肌皮瓣全部成活 ,肤色、质地、形态以及轮廓的恢复均较满意。结论 :背阔肌、前锯肌单蒂双岛肌皮瓣修复上颌骨扩大切除术后的大型缺损有其优越性 ,其充足的肌量对面部轮廓的恢复可起到满意的效果。     

Use of microvascular free flaps in the reconstruction of the anterior and middle skull base

Different reconstruction techniques of the anterior and middle skull base as consequence of a defect after surgical treatment of neoplastic pathologies are described in the literature. The aim of the present study is to present our experience regarding the use of microvascular free flaps for reconstruction of the anterior or middle skull base after large defects caused by removal of malignant neoplasms. From 2000 to 2004, in the Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and "Tor Vergata," 13 surgical procedures for reconstruction of anterior and middle skull base defects by free flaps were performed in 11 patients. Data on patient demographics, histopathology, location and size of defect, type of reconstruction, and postoperative complications were obtained from medical record charts. A safe soft tissue closure of the intracranial space was achieved in all patients. Defect repair was accomplished by revascularized transfer of rectus abdominis flaps in seven cases, latissimus dorsi muscle flaps in two patients, radial forearm flap in one case, and fibula flap in one case. There were two total flap losses; the secondary defect repair was accomplished in both cases by revascularized transfer of latissimus dorsi muscle flap. No donor site complications were observed in all the flaps. The mean operation time was 85 hours; patients were hospitalized for a mean period of 14 days. The method of choice for the reconstruction of anterior or middle skull base defect should be based upon careful evaluation of the single case and, particularly, the localization and entity of the residual defect. For defects that require large amounts of soft tissue, the latissimus dorsi free flap and the rectus abdominis free flap are the best appropriate choices for reconstructive procedures for anterior and middle skull base tumors.     

Maxillary reconstruction using a bipedicled osteocutaneous scapula flap

When managing extensive maxillary defects it is difficult to provide a stable biomechanical frame for prostheses, and obturators are difficult to use. This study reviews cases involving angular branch artery pedicled scapular bone flaps (SBF) combined with or without latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (LDMF). Between 2004 and 2007, four wide maxillary defects were repaired using the angular vascularized branch of the scapular bone. Tumor resection with immediate reconstruction using combined LDMF and angular artery pedicled SBF was used in 3 cases and angular artery pedicled SBF alone in 1 case. Follow up was 6 months to 2 years. Satisfactory results were obtained for facial contour, appearance, speech, deglutition and breathing. No donor site complications or restricted shoulder movements were detected. The only complication was a minor infection of one flap. This procedure is useful, functionally and aesthetically, for reconstruction of wide extensive maxillary defects as bone supplied by the angular branch has a wider arc of rotation in relation to skin flaps and has a longer pedicle length from the axillary artery, long enough to reach the maxilla. This procedure also benefits from the flexibility of the soft tissue pedicle, such as the latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior and fasciocutaneous flaps.     

Latissimus dorsi free flap reconstruction of anterior skull base defects

IntroductionSurgery of extensive skull base tumour results of a defect of soft and hard tissue and dura. Free flap reconstruction provides tissue to restore the defect and separate the intracranial content from the bacterial flora of the nasal fossae. Vertical and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap are usually used. This study was designed to compare our experience of latissimus dorsi free flap reconstruction of extensive skull base defects after tumour resection with the literature concerning the use of other types of free flaps.Material and methodAll extensive skull base tumour resections with latissimus free flap reconstruction made in the head and neck oncology unit of the Institut Curie, Cancer Centre, between January 2004 and December 2009 were reviewed.ResultsTwo infectious complications were observed (11.7%), two cases of CSF leak (11.7%), one case of wound dehiscence following tumour resection comprising the nasal skin (5.9%) and one case of partial distal necrosis of the flap in a zone of skin resection (5.9%) were observed. No flaps were lost. Two latissimus dorsi donor site haematomas were observed (11.7%).ConclusionWhen reconstruction of extensive skull base defect need free flap, the latissimus dorsi free flap is a reliable solution.     

Complications and Outcome of Free Flap Transfers for Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction: Analysis of 213 Cases

Microvascular free flap transfers have become a preferred reconstructive technique; however, rare complications may still prove devastating. This study reviewed 213 consecutive freetissue transfers in order to assess the incidence and causes of complications in patients undergoing microvascular free flap reconstruction in the oral and maxillofacial region. In most cases, reconstruction was undertaken after resection of a malignant tumor. The flap donor sites were the radial forearm (n=111), rectus abdominis (n=88), scapula (n=13), and latissimus dorsi (n=1). The superior thyroid artery and the external jugular vein were commonly used as recipient vessels for anastomosis. The overall flap success rate was 99%. There were 7 cases of postoperative vascular thrombosis (6 venous and 1 arterial), constituting 3.3% of the entire series. Five flaps were salvaged, representing a 71.4% successful salvage rate in cases of vascular complications. Most of the successful salvage attempts were made within 24 hours of the end of the initial operation, and the successful salvage rate for re-exploration was 100%. Finally, the total flap loss rate was 0.9% and the partial flap loss rate was 2.3%. We conclude that early re-exploration should be the first choice for management of vascular compromised flaps. Complications at the donor site occurred in 17 cases (8.0%), the most common complication of which was partial skin graft loss after harvesting a radial forearm flap (n=10; 9.0%). Recipient and donor site morbidity was limited and considered acceptable.     

应用血管化游离组织瓣修复口腔颌面部缺损168例临床分析

目的:总结提高显微外科皮瓣修复口腔颌面部缺损成功率的经验。方法:2006年至2010年中国医科大学口腔医学院口腔颌面外科共行显微外科游离皮瓣移植修复口腔颌面部缺损168例,其中前臂游离皮瓣90例,股前外侧游离皮瓣39例,腓骨肌皮瓣31例,背阔肌皮瓣8例。术后观察皮瓣成活率和并发症。结果:皮瓣成活164例(97.6%),失败4例,11例患者出现术后早期局部并发症(6.5%);术后皮瓣危象发生率为5.4%(9/168),其中静脉血栓形成6例(66.7%),手术探查抢救成功率55.6%(5/9);前臂桡侧皮瓣成活率97.8%(88/90),股前外侧皮瓣成活率97.4%(38/39),腓骨肌皮瓣成活率96.8%(30/31),背阔肌皮瓣8例全部成活。随访2～2.5a,93%的患者面部外形对称,开口度及咬合关系正常,舌体运动及吞咽功能良好。结论:显微外科游离皮瓣移植的成活率高,保证动脉血供和静脉回流是移植成功的关键,术后5d内要密切观察皮瓣情况,一旦出现危象,应在6h内进行积极手术探查。及时手术探查是提高皮瓣抢救成功率的关键。     

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目的探讨背阔肌游离肌皮瓣修复口腔颌面部严重组织缺损的临床治疗效果。方法选择2006年11月至2008年11月于中国医科大学口腔医学院颌面外科就诊的颌面部严重组织缺损患者5例,缺损面积最小12cm×8cm,最大20cm×14cm。全部采用背阔肌游离肌皮瓣移植,Ⅰ期修复重建。切取肌皮瓣面积最小13cm×9cm,最大24cm×16cm。结果创口均为Ⅰ期愈合,皮瓣100%成活。术后随访1个月至2年,功能与形态满意。结论背阔肌游离肌皮瓣移植是一种修复重建口腔颌面部较大组织缺损较为理想的方法,具有血供可靠,供瓣面积大、供区隐蔽等优点。     

游离组织辦在口腔颌面-头颈肿瘤缺损修复中的应用:2549例临床分析

目的:探讨不同游离组织瓣在口腔颌面-头颈肿瘤缺损与修复中的应用价值。方法:回顾分析1979年1月～2006年12月间,我院口腔颌面外科所行血管化游离组织瓣移植患者2549例,共制备皮瓣2684块:软组织瓣包括前臂皮瓣、背阔肌皮瓣、胸大肌皮瓣、股前外侧皮瓣、肩胛皮瓣等;骨组织瓣包括腓骨肌皮瓣、髂骨肌皮瓣、肩胛骨肌皮瓣等。分别用于修复舌、腭、颊、口底、颌骨及面颈部大面积复合缺损。统计各年代游离组织瓣移植的成功率,分析失败原因。结果:游离组织瓣移植成功率从80年代初期(92%)至今(98.5%),呈逐年升高趋势,2684块皮瓣总成功率达96.80%。前臂皮瓣是最常用的游离组织瓣(64.12%),胸大肌皮瓣和背阔肌皮瓣在修复大面积复合缺损常被采用,各种骨肌(皮)瓣应用于颌骨缺损修复成为近年的热点。大范围复合组织缺损的救治性手术常需要多个游离组织瓣联合修复重建。结论:血管化游离组织瓣移植是口腔颌面-头颈肿瘤手术根治的保障,更是术后缺损修复的主要手段。前臂皮瓣是修复舌、颊、腭等软组织缺损的首选瓣,胸大肌与背阔肌(皮)瓣适合修复体积较大的缺损,腓骨、髂骨肌瓣是上、下颌骨缺损最常用的修复手段。其他不常用的组织瓣,应根据不同适应证进行选择。采用不同组织瓣修复口腔颌面部缺损,对患者术后外形及功能具有重要意义。     

口腔颌面缺损游离组织移植修复138例临床分析

目的探讨影响游离组织移植成功的因素,为各种游离组织瓣在口腔颌面头颈外科的应用提供临床参考。方法收集2005年1月～2008年6月进行游离移植的138例组织瓣,其中前臂皮瓣46例,游离背阔肌瓣10例,股前外侧皮瓣3例,足背皮瓣1例;腓骨肌瓣39例,腓骨肌瓣联合小腿外侧皮瓣36例,髂骨肌瓣3例。修复良性肿瘤术后缺损者41例,恶性肿瘤术后缺损者96例,发育畸形1例。血管吻合采用改良的二定点吻合法。结果 138例游离移植的组织瓣的成功率为99%以上,有1例足背皮瓣在术后7天出现静脉危象,第8天皮瓣坏死。1例腓骨肌瓣联合小腿外侧皮瓣患者手术后12h出现动脉危象,经抢救成活。2例前臂皮瓣和1例腓骨瓣术后24小时内出现静脉危象,经过重新吻合后抢救成功;1例前臂皮瓣在术后第6天出现静脉危象,抢救成功。其它132例游离组织瓣均达到Ⅰ期临床愈合。结论影响游离组织瓣移植成活的因素很多,血管吻合技术以及吻合后血管蒂的摆放是成功的关键。为了防止术后静脉危象的出现,在可能的情况下尽量吻合2根静脉。     

Treatment of the severely infected frontal sinus with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flaps

In trauma patients with severe intracranial hemorrhaging, diagnosing facial bone fractures can be delayed. In frontal sinus fractures with nasofrontal duct obstruction, obliteration of the nasofrontal duct and the sinus is the current treatment of choice. But with inadequate management, ascending infections happen, and widely spread infections can involve the entire frontal soft tissues, which result in meningitis, encephalitis, and subcutaneous abscess pockets creating skin defects. In the treatment of these infections, radical debridement of all infected tissues including galea, pericranium, and surrounding soft tissues is obligatory; hence, available local vascularized flap options for obliteration of the postdebridement defect are scarce. In these situations, free-tissue transfer can be a treatment option. Although there have been numerous reports of using nonvascularized materials for obliteration of the frontal sinus, the material itself can serve as a nidus for infection, and it is generally accepted that well-vascularized tissues have greater ability to withstand local soft-tissue infection and osteomyelitis. Hence, we report 3 cases where we performed latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps for severe frontal sinus infections after frontal cranioplasty for severe hemorrhaging. Large bulks of muscle obliterated the nasofrontal duct and the dead space surrounding the entire frontal sinus. The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is not a permanent solution for frontal sinus reconstruction, which requires a secondary bony reconstruction. However, when we face acute stages of intractable infections of the frontal sinus, it can control the infection and result in saving the patient's life.     

游离组织瓣移植在口腔颌面部缺损修复中的应用

目的探讨游离组织瓣移植在口腔颌面部缺损修复中的应用价值。方法自2005年10月～2007年11月,应用30块游离组织瓣修复口腔颌面部缺损29例,分析游离组织瓣的类型、受区血管、术后并发症以及组织瓣的成活情况,分析有可能影响游离组织瓣成活的各种因素。结果采用游离前臂皮瓣16例、游离腓骨瓣11例、游离前臂皮瓣和腓骨瓣复合瓣1例、游离背阔肌皮瓣1例,全部游离组织瓣成活,术后1例发生血栓,抢救后组织瓣愈合良好。结论游离组织瓣移植应用于口腔颌面部缺损修复中,安全可靠,值得临床进一步推广普及。     

Free and locoregional flap associations in the reconstruction of extensive head and neck defects

Head and neck surgical defects after oncological resection of advanced carcinoma involving the oral cavity are often composite and involve bone, mucosa, soft tissues and skin. For the most extensive defects, the simultaneous association of two free flaps is the best choice to improve the function of the preserved structures. This procedure is difficult and involves prolonged surgery, therefore it is only possible in selected patients. In some composite head and neck defects the association of free and locoregional flaps seems to be indicated. This study, discusses the use of free and locoregional flap association, focusing on its aesthetic advantages and functional results. From January 1995 to December 2006, 30 patients received simultaneous locoregional and free flap transfer for closure of post-ablative oral cavity defects. Microvascular tissue transfer included the radial forearm, anterolateral thigh, rectus abdominis, and fibula and iliac crest free flaps. Locoregional flaps included the cervicofacial, cervicopectoral, deltopectoral, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi and posterior scalp flaps. Based on the good functional and aesthetic outcome and low rate of complications, the association of free and locoregional flaps represents a good reconstructive option for patients with extensive post-oncological composite head and neck defects.     

144例头颈部游离组织瓣移植患者的临床分析

目的:探讨采用头颈部游离组织瓣移植行头颈部重建的效果。方法:对1999年5月～2000年10月采用游离组织瓣移植行头预部重建的144例患者作回顾性研究,分析采用组织瓣的类型、受区血管、血管吻合方式和技术、组织瓣成活情况及术后并发症的发生情况。结果:前臂皮瓣、腓骨瓣和腹直肌瓣为最常用的行头颈部重建的游离组织瓣,占全部皮瓣的94.7％;游离组织瓣移植的成功率为98％,术后血栓的发生率为6％,抢救成功率为66.7％;受区和供区总的并发症发生率为34％,但大多数并发症均不严重,没有造成明显的后果;吸烟、饮酒、放疗和患者年龄等均非影响游离组织瓣移植成功的重要因素。结论:头颈部游离组织瓣移植安全可靠,且优于传统的带蒂组织瓣移植,是头颈部重建的合理选择。     

Repeated tissue expansions on split-thickness skin graft in a patient with neurocutaneous syndrome

Soft tissue expansion is a mechanical process that increases the surface area of local tissue available for reconstructive procedures. In most cases, adjacent tissue that matches the recipient site in color, texture, and hair-bearing quality is preferred for tissue expansion. In this particular case with neurocutaneous syndrome, the defects that resulted from removal of parts of a giant hairy nevus overlying the latissimus dorsi muscle bilaterally were grafted with a split-thickness skin graft. Two expanders were then placed under the latissimus dorsi muscles. After full expansion of the grafted area, some part of the remaining nevus surrounding the grafted area was removed and the defects were covered with the expanded skin graft obtained after deflation of the expanders. The expanders placed under the latissimus dorsi muscle in the first operation were reused in the second operation to obtain a second expansion of the skin graft. After the second expansion of the skin graft, the expanders were deflated and another portion of the remaining nevus surrounding the grafted area was removed. The resulting defects were again covered with the excess expanded skin graft. Although repeated expansion of the skin graft is a time-consuming and laborious process, it eliminates the need for taking repeated skin grafts; it decreases skin graft donor site morbidity; it decreases possible infectious complications of tissue expansion by decreasing the number of surgical interventions to the expander pocket; and it increases the aesthetic outcome by keeping all the surgical scars around the grafted area without extending them into healthy surrounding skin.     

Buccal reconstruction with the mouth floor mucosal flap

A mouth floor mucosal flap was developed to reconstruct medium-sized intraoral buccal defects, too large for primary closure if major functional and aesthetic impairment is to be avoided. Although free flaps, perforator flaps, or even skin grafts can be designed for buccal reconstruction, they may not provide good mucosal sensitivity, motility, volume, and texture to replace lost structures with similar tissue. Moreover, secondary morbidity can be avoided with this adjacent flap.In our study, 8 flap reconstruction procedures were performed from March 2009 to July 2011: 4 cases of leukoderma, 2 cases of buccal cancer (T1 N0 M0), and 2 cases of papillary epithelioma. The largest size amount to 5.3 × 3.8 cm (length × width), with a mean of 4.3 × 3.4 cm. Compared with free flaps (forearm arm flap for example) for buccal reconstruction, application of the mouth floor flap has its indications. First, to secure the motility of tongue and function of mouth opening, the upper bound of the defects was below the occlusion line. Generally, the width between top and bottom was less than 4 cm. Second, at least a partial buccinator muscle can be preserved after lesion resection and then facial collapse can be avoided. Third, patients had molar absence or relevant teeth had to be extracted during surgery.All patients recovered from intraoral surgeries with good objective and subjective speech and swallowing and aesthetics and without injury to the lingual nerve, the submandibular gland duct, and the sublingual gland. Results indicate that the mouth floor mucosal flap is reliable and technically easy for reconstructing medium-sized intraoral buccal defects, with good function and aesthetics with little secondary morbidity.     

Klinische Ergebnisse der Resensibilisierung von Radialislappen und Musculus-latissimus-dorsi-Transplantaten

Background. The necessity of nerve anastomosis in an attempt to regain cutaneous sensitivity following flap transfer has been the basis of many discussions. In our study, we investigated the degree of sensory recovery with emphasis on the different nerval qualities on the radial forearm and the latissimus dorsi flap. Collective. Sixty-two patients with 66 latissimus dorsi flaps and 19 patients with a radial forearm free flap were examined. Results. Except for five latissimus dorsi and two radial forearm flaps, all flaps investigated showed clinical signs of sensory recovery, whereby the degree and quality of cutaneous reinnervation varied. In comparison, neural reconstruction did not lead to any clinical improvement. Conclusion. Based on our clinical results, we consider nerve reconstruction during radial forearm and latissimus dorsi free flap transfer unnecessary. To what extent this can be said for other flaps requires further investigation.