Supraclavicular flap in head and neck reconstruction: experience in 50 consecutive patients

The supraclavicular flap (SCF) is a fasciocutaneous flap used to cover head, oral, and neck region defects after tumor resection. Its main vascular supply is the supraclavicular artery and accompanying veins and it can be harvested as a vascularised pedicled flap. The SCF serves as an excellent outer skin cover as well as a good inner mucosal lining after oral cavity and head-neck tumor resections. The flap has a wide arc of rotation and matches the skin colour and texture of the face and neck. Between March 2006 and March 2011, the pedicled supraclavicular flap was used for reconstruction in 50 consecutive patients after head and neck tumor resections and certain benign conditions in a tertiary university hospital setting. The flaps were tunnelized under the neck skin to cover the external cervicofacial defects or passed medial to the mandible to give an inner epithelial lining after the oral cavity and oropharyngeal tumor excision. Forty-four of the 50 patients had 100% flap survival with excellent wound healing. All the flaps were harvested in less than 1 h. There were four cases of distal tip desquamation and two patients had complete flap necrosis. Distal flap desquamation was observed in SCFs used for resurfacing the external skin defects after oral cavity tumor ablation and needed only conservative treatment measures. Total flap failure was encountered in two patients who had failed in previous chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell cancer of the floor of mouth and tonsil, respectively, and the SCF was used in mucosal defect closure after tumor ablation. The benefits of a pedicled fasciocutaneous supraclavicular flap are clear; it is thin, reliable, easy, and quick to harvest. In head, face and neck reconstructions, it is a good alternative to free fasciocutaneous flaps, regional pedicled myocutaneous flaps, and the deltopectoral flap.     

Prevention of hair growth in myocutaneous flap reconstruction

Myocutaneous flaps play a prominent role in the immediate reconstruction of surgical defects following ablative oncologic procedures in the head and neck. Transfer of hair-bearing skin into the reconstructed upper digestive tract can be a major disadvantage associated with the pectoralis major flap. De-epithelialization of skin to the dermal level, removing the majority of skin appendages, can convert a myocutaneous flap to a "myodermal" flap. Platysma myocutaneous and myodermal flaps were grafted into the oral cavity of 13 dogs. Gross and histologic evaluation confirmed decreased hair growth in the experimental myodermal flap. Wound complications and graft survival were similar for both techniques. Diminished hair growth further supports the utility of myodermal flaps in hairy male patients undergoing upper digestive tract reconstruction.     

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.     

Role of the island deltopectoral flap in contemporary head and neck reconstruction

OBJECTIVES: The deltopectoral flap (DP) was originally described 40 years ago for head and neck reconstruction. Since that time, use of pedicled myocutaneous flaps and free tissue transfer has supplanted the DP flap as a first-line reconstructive tool. The island DP flap, a variation of the DP flap wherein the skin bridge is de-epithelialized, provides a source of thin and pliable tissue that can be useful for select head and neck reconstruction. The purpose of this review is to assess the utility of the island DP flap in contemporary head and neck reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review of 16 consecutive cases utilizing the island DP flap was performed. Indications, complications, and outcome were reviewed in an effort to determine the role of the island DP in contemporary head and neck reconstruction. RESULTS: Sixteen island DP flap procedures were successfully performed in 16 patients for a variety of reconstructions, including esophageal, laryngeal, cutaneous, and pharyngeal defects. The donor skin paddles averaged 22.4 cm2 (range, 14 to 40.8 cm2). There were no recipient site complications; however, there was 1 donor site hematoma that was managed with drainage. In all 16 cases, the island DP flap provided an appropriate source of donor tissue for reconstruction of limited defects of the pharynx, esophagus, and skin of the neck. CONCLUSIONS: The island DP flap is a reliable donor site that provides an excellent source of thin and pliable tissue for limited defects of the head and neck.     

颞浅血管为蒂的帽状腱膜瓣修复头颈肿瘤术后缺损

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the advantage and applications of pedicled galeal flap in head and neck region. METHODS: A consecutive series of 17 patients underwent surgical reconstruction with pedicled galeal flaps after head and neck tumor resection. The defects included nasopharynx, skull base, maxilla, orbital base, oropharynx and oral cavity and the size ranged from 5 cm x 5 cm to 10 cm x 10 cm. The technique for using this flap was described and application was illustrated with 3 case reports. RESULTS: Complete success of galeal flaps for the reconstruction of head and neck defects was achieved in 13 of the 17 cases (76.5%) and partial necrosis was observed in the remaining 4 cases (23.4%). Immediate wound complications occurred in four cases, which resolved spontaneously. Four delayed complications were observed in 4 of 9 survival cases that included trismus (3) and alopecia (1). CONCLUSION: Galeal flap is a thin, pliable and well vascularised reconstruction tissue and is highly reliable. The donor site morbidity is minor. We have found the flap to be useful in the reconstruction of a variety of defects in head and neck, especially in skull base, orbital base, nasopharynx and oropharynx.     

The Platysma Myocutaneous Flap: Underused Alternative for Head and Neck Reconstruction

Objectives The use, advantages, and disadvantages of the platysma flap were assessed. Study Design Retrospective review of the medical records of patients undergoing platysma flap reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract from 1987 to 2001. Methods Information regarding the tumor, surgical procedure, flap design, and outcome emphasizing complications and function was extracted. Associations between putative risk factors for flap failure and outcome were assessed using the χ² test. Results Thirty‐four patients underwent reconstruction with platysma flaps. Surgical defects included the oropharynx, oral cavity, and hypopharynx. Nine patients had had prior radiation therapy and all had some dissection of the ipsilateral neck. There were 5 postoperative fistulas (15%), flap desquamation was noted in 6 cases (18%), and 2 patients experienced loss of the distal skin closing the donor site. Complications were not associated with prior radiation. Hospital stay ranged from 5 to 21 days (mean, 10 d). There were no returns to the operating room or need for additional reconstruction. All but 1 patient resumed a normal diet within 3 months of surgery. There were no recurrences of cancer in the dissected neck regions. Conclusions The platysma flap is simple and versatile with properties similar to the radial forearm free flap. The rate of complications is similar to other published series, and problems encountered were manageable using conservative methods with excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes. These facts support the contention that the platysma myocutaneous flap can serve as a viable alternative to free tissue transfer and has advantages over pectoralis major pedicled flaps for reconstruction of many 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.     

The usefulness of a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in preventing salivary fistulae after salvage total laryngectomy

Salvage laryngectomy in patients treated with organ preservation protocols is associated with high rates of postoperative complications. The use of non-irradiated tissue flaps in pharyngeal reconstruction could reduce the incidence of these complications.Objective: This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in preventing salivary fistulae during the postoperative period of salvage total laryngectomy (TL).Materials and Method: This retrospective study enrolled 31 patients operated between April of 2006 and May of 2011. All patients had advanced cancer at the time of the salvage procedure and had been treated with chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone. Pharyngeal reconstruction was performed using pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in 19 cases (61%); primary wound closure occurred in 12 patients (39%).Results: Salivary fistulae occurred in 16% of the patients who received the flap and in 58% of the patients with primary closure of the pharynx (p < 0.02). No statistically significant differences were noted between the groups with respect to the mean time for fistula formation, reintroduction of an oral diet, or use of a nasoenteric tube for feeding.Conclusion: The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was found to reduce the incidence of salivary fistulae in salvage laryngectomy procedures.     

Re-use of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for the treatment of recurrent hypopharyngeal stenosis following total laryngectomy and postoperative radiotherapy: a case report

Management of recurrent hypopharyngeal stenosis following total laryngectomy and postoperative radiotherapy is a challenging problem. Because of previous surgery, free flaps may not always be performed. We report a case of recurrent hypopharyngeal stenosis after a first attempt of reconstruction with a pectoralis major myocutaneous pedicled flap (PMMPF) failed. The problem was solved by reusing the previous PMMPF as a rotary door flap according to Eliachar and suturing it to the prevertrebral fascia according to Spriano. The follow-up is now of 9 months without recurrence. This new technique is described and discussed in comparison with other possible options.     

Repair of head and neck defects with thin and double-lined pectoralis flaps

The evolution of nondelayed , single-stage repairs of extensive ablative defects of the upper aerodigestive tract with thin, skin-lined pectoralis myogenous and myocutaneous flaps is described, with particular emphasis on technique and applicability. To date, 15 such modified flap reconstructions of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and pharyngoesophagus have been performed. Other than one instance of flap failure, no significant short- or long-term complications were noted. The functional results of these repairs are equivalent to other, less convenient or technically more difficult methods of reconstruction.     

The pectoralis myocutaneous flap for salvage of necrotic wounds

The authors have utilized six pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps in attempts to salvage extensive necrotic wounds of the pharynx and neck. The flap was employed in the following situations: massive necrosis of the entire neck skin with both carotid artery systems exposed, radiation necrosis of the neck skin with exposure of carotid artery, dehiscence of gastric pull-up from pharynx with resultant carotid exposure, failed trapezius flap in a radionecrotic oral cavity, and two cases of pharyngocutaneous fistula with extensive soft tissue necrosis. These flaps achieved healing in all cases. One death occurred 3 weeks following complete cutaneous healing secondary to a ruptured carotid pseudoaneurysm. One flap underwent total skin loss but the entirety of the muscle survived and the fistula was successfully closed with the back of the muscle being subsequently skin grafted. One case of dehiscence of the flap from oral mucosa resulted in a minor exposure of mandible with limited osteoradionecrosis controlled by topical means. This flap has performed extremely well in these precarious and difficult situations that previously may not have been salvageable. It has also been effective in abbreviating the required hospitalization and wound care. We conclude that the pectoralis myocutaneous flap should be the primary choice for the management of extensive postsurgical wound necrosis.     

Results of Free Flap Reconstruction After Ablative Surgery in the Head and Neck

Objectives

Due to the complex anatomy and function of the head and neck region, the reconstruction of ablative defects in this area is challenging. In addition, an increasing interest in improving the quality of life of patients and achieving good functional results has highlighted the importance of free flaps. The aim of this study was to summarize the results of free flap reconstruction and salvage of free flaps in a single institute, and to analyze differences in the results by the flap donor site, recipient site, and learning curve.

Methods

The medical records of patients who underwent free flap reconstruction from 2004-2012 were reviewed retrospectively. One hundred and fifty free flaps were used in 134 patients, who had an average age of 57.7 years. The types of flaps applied, primary defect sites, success rates, results of salvage operations for compromised flap, and the learning curve were analyzed.

Results

The anterolateral thigh flap was preferred for the reconstruction of head and neck defects. The overall success rate was 90.7%, with 14 cases of failure. A total of 19 salvage operations (12.7%) for compromised flap were performed, and 12 flaps (63.2%) were salvaged successfully. Dependency on the facial vessels as recipient vessels was statistically different when oral and oropharyngeal defects were compared to hypopharyngeal and laryngeal defects. The learning curve for microvascular surgery showed decrease in the failure rate after 50 cases.

Conclusion

The free flap technique is safe but involves a significant learning period and requires careful postoperative monitoring of the patient. Early intervention is important for the salvage of free flaps and for lowering the failure rate.     

The repair of defects in the head and neck region with the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap

There are many different flaps available for head and neck reconstruction. The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap has been widely used in this unit on 80 occasions in the past three years, both as a pedicled and as a free microvascular flap following the excision of head and neck malignancy, the commonest pathology being intraoral squamous cell carcinoma. There were nine cases of complete or substantial flap loss requiring a further reconstructive procedure. Few of the patients who underwent total glossectomy suffered from overspill or aspiration and the fistula rate was low. Reference is made to the anatomy and the technique of raising this versatile flap which provides a large volume of tissue and has been particularly useful following total glossectomy when combined with a hyoid hitch.     

Skin grafts and flaps in oral cavity reconstruction

Split-thickness skin grafts and regional flaps have been used to reconstruct deficits produced by oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer resection in 191 patients. The rate of complication, delay in oral alimentation, and the postoperative length of hospitalization was greater for pectoralis myocutaneous and deltopectoral flap reconstructions than for skin grafts, even when comparably sized defects are considered. The adverse effect of weight loss is greater on flap reconstructions than skin grafts and is influenced little by preoperative nutritional therapy. Skin graft reconstruction is recommended for moderate and large defects. The pectoralis myocutaneous flap may be reserved for massive defects or when the anterior part of the mandible has been resected.     

Resource Utilization and Patient Morbidity in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Many papers have addressed the technical aspects of free tissue transfer in head and neck cancer patients. However, there has not been a critical assessment of the impact of free tissue transfer on resource utilization and patient morbidity compared with pedicle flap reconstructions. Two cohorts of patients derived from 245 consecutive reconstructions were tightly matched by age, site, stage, and histology, yielding 44 patient pairs differing in method of reconstruction. Patients undergoing free flap reconstruction spent more time in the operating room than those reconstructed with pedicled flaps (993 min vs. 777 min, P < 0.0001). The group with free flap reconstruction spent fewer days in the surgical intensive care unit and hospital (2 days vs. 2.5 days; 18.5 days vs. 22.6 days). This difference is attributed to the paucity of postoperative complications in the group with free flap reconstruction (fistula formation 4.5% vs. 21%, P < 0.04). These data indicate that the continued use of sophisticated reconstructive techniques in head and neck cancer patients is economically sound as assessed by patient morbidity and resource utilization.     

Resident training in head and neck flap reconstruction in U.S. academic otolaryngology programmes

The main objective of this study was to assess resident training in head and neck flap reconstruction, and to determine the confidence of graduating residents in performing these flaps independently. Questionnaires were distributed to otolaryngology residents graduating in 1997. Respondents recorded the number of pedicled and free flap procedures they performed, or assisted with, and indicated flaps they felt confident about performing independently. Pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) (n = 560, mean 6.59) and radial forearm (RF) (66, 0.78) were the most common pedicled and free flaps performed. There was a significant difference (p = 0.0002, Mann-Whitney U test) between median confidence for pedicled (44.5 per cent) and free flaps (two per cent). Ten of the 17 flaps showed a significant Pearson correlation (p < 0.05) between number of procedures performed and confidence in performing them independently. Of the pedicled flaps, latissimus dorsi (LD) showed good correlation (r = 0.67), PMMC showed low correlation (r = 0.19) and other pedicled flaps fair correlation. Of the free flaps, LD (r = 0.64) and fibula (r = 0.50) showed good correlation and rectus abdominis and RF fair correlation. There was a fair inverse correlation (r = -0.29) between numbers of pedicled and free flaps performed. Higher correlation in flaps uncommonly performed reflects greater operative training necessary to achieve the confidence for performing these flaps independently. As respondents performed greater numbers of free flaps, the number of pedicled flaps decreased. It might thus be important to train residents in all aspects of pedicled flaps. Most respondents were of the opinion that additional training in free flaps was necessary for those planning a career in head and neck reconstructive surgery.     

Lateral thigh free flap for head and neck reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To present the technique of lateral thigh free flap reconstruction in the head and neck and review the use of this procedure in 58 head and neck defect reconstructions. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review in the setting of a tertiary, referral, and academic center. METHODS: Retrospective review of patient records in cases of lateral thigh free flap reconstruction for head and neck defects. Records were reviewed for patient age, gender, pathologic findings, type of reconstruction (pharyngoesophageal, glossectomy, oropharyngeal, or external soft tissue defects), recipient and donor-site complications, and flap failure. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients underwent lateral thigh flap reconstruction from 1984 to 1997. Patient age ranged from 10 to 76 years. Thirty-nine patients were men, and 19 were women. Forty-three flaps were used for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, nine for glossectomy defects, two for oropharyngeal defects, and four for external, soft tissue defects. All resections were for squamous cell carcinoma, except one case of recurrent hemangiopericytoma. One flap failure occurred from venous thrombosis (1.7%). Forty-two of 43 pharyngoesophageal defects were successfully reconstructed (97.6%). Five temporary salivary leaks were noted, but no frank fistulas occurred. One fistula occurred in the oropharyngeal reconstruction group. Four minor donor-site complications were noted (6.9%). CONCLUSION: This series demonstrates the low donor-site morbidity, as well as the reliability and versatility, of the lateral thigh free flap for head and neck reconstruction.     

Reconstrucción mediante colgajos basados en el sistema de la arteria facial. Un sistema vascular para múltiples usos en cirugía reconstructiva de cabeza y cuello

Introductionto review the modifications and advances in reconstructive surgery of the soft tissues of the oral cavity exclusively based on flaps that depend on the facial artery system.Methodsreview of the literature regarding oral cavity reconstructions based on main facial artery system flaps.DiscussionThe reconstruction of the soft tissues of the oral cavity, based on facial artery system flaps, offers satisfactory results and allows limited reconstructions avoiding the use of pedicled regional flaps or free flaps.ConclusionsKnowledge of reconstructive options using the facial artery system in oral cavity surgery allows expanding reconstructive options for head and neck surgeons, enabling safe, high quality and effective reconstructions, with limited resources consumption.     

Pedicled pectoralis major musculocutaneous flaps

A retrospective series of 76 pedicled pectoralis major musculocutaneus flaps is presented. We used this technique in reconstruction after head and neck tumours resections and in complications of oncological surgery such as pharyngostomes or orostomes. Most of these flaps were used in reconstruction of oral cavity and in postradiotherapy salvaje surgery cases. We also analyse the presence of complications at the donor and receiver sites and its correlation with different parameters like protein levels, haemoglobin, administration of radiotherapy and its dose, previous quimiotherapy and the influence of systemic diseases.     

双岛胸大肌皮瓣在头颈肿瘤切除、重建术中的应用

目的 探讨双岛胸大肌皮瓣在头颈肿瘤术后组织缺损修复重建应用的效果及优点。方法 应用双岛胸大肌皮瓣,对头颈肿瘤术后组织缺损的8例患者进行修复重建。结果 重建后的咽腔无狭窄,颈部皮肤均成活。皮瓣I期愈合7例;皮瓣重建颈部皮肤面边缘轻度坏死1例,经处理后愈合。患者于术后8～12d(平均10d)开始进食;术后14～20d(平均16d)出院。结论 双岛胸大肌皮瓣血供丰富,组织量多,是同时修复头颈肿瘤术后皮肤、黏膜双重缺损的优选方法。