Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. Is a skin-lined pharynx necessary?

Current methods of pharyngoesophageal reconstruction have in common the creation of an epithelial lined pharynx. We performed eight cases of pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with a pectoralis major muscle flap. In the first six cases, split-thickness skin was quilted onto the muscle. In the last two cases, pectoralis major muscle alone was used, allowing epithelialization to occur from adjacent mucosa. The results with this simplified technique have been as good as when a skin-grafted muscle flap was used. We prefer a pectoralis major muscle flap, with or without split-thickness skin, to a pectoralis myocutaneous flap. There is no hair growth, it is easy to tube, and a thin-walled pharynx is produced. This is an advantage for the development of an esophageal voice, and tracheoesophageal puncture can be easily performed if no voice is achieved. All of our patients received full-dose, preoperative radiotherapy. One patient developed a fistula that closed spontaneously. There have been no strictures at the pharyngoesophageal junction. All patients quickly established a good oral intake.     

Oral cavity reconstruction using pectoralis major muscle and amnion

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap has become the mainstay of major oral cavity reconstruction. The flap provides excellent soft-tissue bulk and cavity or surface lining for major defects. There is a high rate of primary take. However, the flap has some deficiencies. A group of patients were identified that are likely to have less than ideal results with the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap technique. In these cases, the flap has been modified and amnion has been added. Initial results indicate enhancement of reconstruction with the modified technique.     

Surgical treatment of pharyngostomes in irradiated patients. Our experience with musculocutaneous pectoralis major flap and hyperbaric oxygen therapy

CONCLUSION: Our experience confirms that pectoralis major flap is the first-choice technique for repairing recurrent hypopharyngeal fistulae in previously irradiated patients in whom microsurgical techniques are not indicated, and that hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps to solve this complex pathology. OBJECTIVES: A pharyngostome is a complication encountered when performing surgical operations on pharyngolaryngeal structures. The authors present their experience of treating recurrent complex pharyngostomes in previously irradiated patients in poor physical health. These patients need a simple, safe reconstruction with a low incidence of postoperative complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A pedicled pectoralis major flap was used for reconstruction: the skin side of the flap was used to restore the continuity of the pharyngeal mucosa, while the muscle was used to reconstruct the intermediate layer. The skin layer was completed by means of a free skin graft. In all cases, surgical treatment was combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy before and after the operation. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients, all of whom had previously undergone surgery and radiotherapy, had recurring or pluri-recurring pharyngostomes. All patients (8 males, 2 females; age range 52-80 years) had previously been affected by carcinoma of the pharyngolaryngeal region. All underwent major local Ablation together with radical neck dissection and radiotherapy. In all cases there was mucosa on the posterior wall; a musculocutaneous pectoralis major flap was used in all cases for reconstruction.     

Preliminary results in using the myocutaneous pectoralis major flap

The modified pectoralis major myocutaneous paddle flap has been used in 75 cases since 1982 for the closure of major defects of the oral cavity, oro- and hypopharynx and neck. Although almost all of the patients had a stage IV tumour, we had good aesthetic and functional results. There was no total flap necrosis. Three cases of partial necrosis underwent spontaneous healing. The details of the operative techniques are compared with other reconstructive methods, and the advantage of the pectoralis major flap is discussed.     

晚期下咽癌、喉复发癌术后颈部缺损整复组织的选择

目的:探讨以不同组织移植物Ⅰ期重建晚期下咽癌、喉复发癌术后颈部、下咽食管缺损的适应证及治疗效果。方法:喉复发癌36例, 肿瘤切除后采用胸大肌肌皮 瓣修补组织缺损18例,肩胸皮瓣修补4例,胃代食管修补2例,胸部推移皮瓣重建下颈部与上纵隔组织缺损,并消灭手术死腔12例。晚期下咽癌16例,颈段食管癌8例,以游离空肠整复1例, 健侧喉黏膜瓣修复咽部缺损8例,喉气管代食道8例,胸大肌皮瓣修复咽部缺损2例,胃代食管2例,游离前臂皮瓣修复下咽1例。 结果:术中无一例死亡,术后无修复组织坏死 ,全部组织瓣存活。采用健侧喉黏膜瓣修复者,仅 1例有术前放疗史的患者发生术后咽漏,胸大肌皮瓣 修复者发生咽漏1例,胃代食道术后发生咽漏1例。全部病例愈合后均恢复正常饮食。随访 9～84个月,14例出现吞咽梗阻,可进流质饮食。结论:下咽癌患者术后组织缺损的修复方法各有侧重。肿瘤的部位和手术后组织缺损的大小是选择修复方法的首要因素;其次,应结合患者的年龄和全身状况,考虑减少并发症。     

Surgical treatment of pharyngostomes in irradiated patients. Our experience with musculocutaneous pectoralis major flap and hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Conclusion. Our experience confirms that pectoralis major flap is the first-choice technique for repairing recurrent hypopharyngeal fistulae in previously irradiated patients in whom microsurgical techniques are not indicated, and that hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps to solve this complex pathology.Objectives. A pharyngostome is a complication encountered when performing surgical operations on pharyngolaryngeal structures. The authors present their experience of treating recurrent complex pharyngostomes in previously irradiated patients in poor physical health. These patients need a simple, safe reconstruction with a low incidence of postoperative complications.Material and methods. A pedicled pectoralis major flap was used for reconstruction: the skin side of the flap was used to restore the continuity of the pharyngeal mucosa, while the muscle was used to reconstruct the intermediate layer. The skin layer was completed by means of a free skin graft. In all cases, surgical treatment was combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy before and after the operation.Results. A total of 10 patients, all of whom had previously undergone surgery and radiotherapy, had recurring or pluri-recurring pharyngostomes. All patients (8 males, 2 females; age range 52–80 years) had previously been affected by carcinoma of the pharyngolaryngeal region. All underwent major local Ablation together with radical neck dissection and radiotherapy. In all cases there was mucosa on the posterior wall; a musculocutaneous pectoralis major flap was used in all cases for reconstruction.     

Fracture of the clavicle following the island type of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of head and neck defect

Fractures of the clavicle following radical neck dissection (RND) and/or radiation therapy have been previously noted in the literature. Interestingly, we experienced three cases of clavicular fracture, which were considered to have resulted from pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMCF). All of these three cases had received the combined treatment of RND, PMMCF and postoperative radiotherapy on the side of fracture. In all three cases, ipsilateral lower neck received 4,500 cGy and island type of PMMCF was used for reconstruction of surgical defect in head and neck area. All fractures noted between 1 and 3 years postoperatively occurred on the medial portion of the clavicle. Devascularization after stripping of periosteum and altered mechanics of the clavicle following resection of clavicular head of pectoralis major muscle may contribute to develop this rare complication in addition to the effect of radiotherapy and RND. We present three cases of the clavicle fracture following the island type PMMCF with a review of literature.     

Neurotization of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap by the hypoglossal nerve in tongue reconstruction: clinical and experimental observations

Recently, neurotization has been proposed for providing mobility to the pectoralis major, or other myocutaneous flap in lingual reconstruction following total glossectomy. The development of an active tongue-like structure may offer the patient higher potential for rehabilitation of speech and deglutition. The purpose of this thesis is to report experimental and clinical observations on neurotization of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. The pectoralis major myoflap of 16 rats was reinnervated by either a hypoglossal nerve pedicle of hypoglossal-genioglossus muscle neuromuscular pedicle. Functional flap reinnervation was confirmed in eight of the 16 animals. The author's clinical experience with reconstruction of the tongue utilizing neurotized pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is presented.     

下咽癌喉癌术后广泛下咽及颈段食管缺损修复方法的比较

目的：探讨4种方法Ⅰ期修复下咽癌及晚期喉癌术后广泛下咽及颈段食管缺损的适应证及治疗效果。方法：用健侧喉黏膜瓣修复部分咽部缺损12例(伴颈段食管切除术2例)．胸大肌皮瓣修复部分咽部缺损6例，游离前臂皮瓣修复保留喉的部分下咽切除术2例．游离空肠重建全下咽和食管上段缺损1例。结果：术中无一例死亡，术后无修复组织坏死．全部组织瓣存活。采用健侧喉黏膜瓣修复者，仅1例术前放疗的患者术后发生咽漏；胸大肌皮瓣修复者，1例发生咽漏。全部病例愈合后均可进普通饮食。随访9～84个月，4例出现吞咽梗阻。结论：下咽癌缺损的修复方法各有侧重。肿瘤的部位和大小是选择修复方法最重要的因素；其次，也应仔细考虑减少并发症。     

The pectoralis major myofascial flap for intraoral and pharyngeal reconstruction.

The pectoralis myocutaneous flap has been widely used for reconstruction of oral cavity and pharyngeal defects. However, it has several disadvantages, such as chest distortion, hair growth at the reconstructed site, and excessive bulk, all of which can be avoided by the use of the pectoralis myofascial flap. Oral cavities and pharyngeal defects, ranging in size from 4 to 9 cm in largest' dimension, in 26 patients were reconstructed with the pectoralis myofascial flap. All but three defects were successfully reconstructed. The surface of the flap was covered by squamous epithelium in 1 month. The flap remained healthy during and after radiotherapy. The pectoralis myofascial flap is ideal for soft-tissue coverage of small- to medium-size oral cavity and pharyngeal defects. Its major advantages over the pectoralis myocutaneous flap are decreased bulk and improved cosmesis.     

Free flap combined with pectoralis major flap for reconstruction after total laryngopharyngectomy in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma

Conclusion: The findings suggest that a pectoralis major flap combined with a free flap is a safe and reliable method of reconstruction after total pharyngolaryngectomy; with this technique, one can help these patients remain disease free, with normal swallowing function, for a relatively acceptable survival duration. Objectives: To determine the functional and oncological outcomes of a combined flap for the extensive defects after total pharyngolaryngectomy in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx (SCCHP). Method: This study determined the perioperative morbidity and functional and oncologic outcomes of 21 patients with advanced SCCHP who underwent total laryngopharyngectomy and reconstruction using a combination of a pectoralis major flap and a free flap. Results: The free flap and pectoralis major flap were used to reconstruct the defects for all 21 patients. Fourteen patients were reconstructed with jejunal free flaps and pectoralis major flaps; in the remaining seven patients, anterolateral thigh flaps and pectoralis major flaps were used. All the combined flaps worked well, and patients recovered normal swallowing function a mean 19.4 days after surgery. After an overall mean follow-up time of 31.3 months, 30% of patients were still alive at the time of this analysis, with no evidence of disease.     

Platysma myocutaneous flap for repair of hypopharyngeal strictures

Hypopharyngeal strictures, either isolated or in conjunction with laryngeal and esophageal strictures, can occur following lye ingestion. Extensive stricture formation requires reconstruction to create a functional funnel system that empties below the cricoid. Esophageal replacement is not a substitute for adequate hypopharyngeal reconstruction. The pectoralis major muscle is often inadequate, because it yields too much bulk and often leads to continued aspiration. The platysma myocutaneous flap for hypopharyngeal reconstruction has not been previously reported. The inferiorly based platysma myocutaneous flap was used in two of our patients with lye burns, and bilateral superiorly based flaps were used in one. All are able to eat normally and have no significant stenosis. The platysma myocutaneous flap is a relatively simple and reliable alternative that is within the capability of every head and neck surgeon.     

带蒂肌皮瓣及脏器瓣在咽、食管缺损修复中的应用

目的 探讨带蒂组织瓣在咽、食管术后缺损修复中的应用。 方法 2002年1月至2011年12月山东大学齐鲁医院耳鼻咽喉科对因头颈部恶性肿瘤住院的患者行手术治疗,单独或联合应用胸大肌肌皮瓣、舌瓣、喉气管瓣、胃代食管术、结肠上徙术整复咽部及食管的术后缺损,共计186例,对此类患者进行随访并分析治疗效果。 结果 喉癌4例,喉癌术后复发14例,喉癌术后咽瘘4例,喉癌术后咽狭窄1例,下咽癌87例,下咽癌术后咽瘘11例,甲状腺癌5例,扁桃体癌2例,颈段食管癌38例。应用胸大肌肌皮瓣共71例;舌瓣联合喉气管瓣、胸大肌肌皮瓣运用2例,术后均拔除鼻饲管;喉气管瓣40例;胃代食管术58例,55例恢复吞咽功能,喉功能保留率53.4%;结肠上徙术共15例,13例恢复吞咽功能,喉功能保留率93.3%。 结论 带蒂组织瓣因其血供良好,制备简单,技术成熟,无需特殊手术技巧的优势,可满足耳鼻咽喉头颈外科术后修复与重建的要求,在头颈一期整复重建中发挥重要作用。     

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.     

原发性颈段气管癌的手术治疗

目的　探讨原发性颈段气管癌的手术治疗途径与经验。方法　 1997年 1月～ 1999年 4月手术治疗 6例原发性颈段气管癌 ,手术切除肿瘤后 ,采用气管端端吻合、颈前肌皮瓣 +胸舌骨肌筋膜瓣、带蒂胸锁乳突肌肌骨膜瓣及胸大肌肌皮瓣修复气管缺损。病理类型 :腺样囊性癌 3例 ,鳞状细胞癌 2例 ,腺癌 1例。 2例鳞状细胞癌患者术后放射治疗剂量为 6 0Gy。结果　 6例患者分别在术后2 3d～ 3个月拔除气管套管 ,无术后并发症。随访 3年以上 ,除 1例鳞状细胞癌患者术后 2年死于肺转移 ,其余 5例患者呼吸、发音良好 ,纤维支气管镜检查未见复发 ,气管管腔黏膜光滑。结论　手术治疗颈段气管癌可以一期切除肿瘤 ,根据缺损不同采用气管端端吻合或自体组织移植如颈前肌皮瓣 +胸舌骨肌筋膜瓣、带蒂胸锁乳突肌肌骨膜瓣及胸大肌肌皮瓣重建气管。     

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.     

下颌骨外旋径路切除晚期口咽癌的临床研究--附6例报告

目的探讨晚期口咽癌的手术入路和口咽缺损的一期修复。方法采用下颌骨外旋径路切除晚期口咽癌6例，其中口咽侧壁癌5例，舌根癌1例；口咽缺损均采用胸大肌肌皮瓣修复。结果全部病例随访2～7年，4例存活3～7年以上，2例分别于术后1，3年死于局部复发。1例咽瘘，3例短期食物返流入鼻腔。全部病例半年内吞咽、言语功能基本恢复。结论下颌骨外旋径路切除晚期口咽癌，具有视野开阔、直视下完整大块切除肿瘤、且便于修复缺损；胸大肌肌皮瓣修复口咽侧壁、舌根及软腭缺损效果良好。     

Two modifications of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF)

Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is the most commonly used versatile flap in head and neck reconstructive surgery. The use of entirely tubed pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of the hypopharynx following total laryngectomy and total pharyngectomy has a disadvantage of bulkiness of the flap and poor postoperative deglutition. One-stage reconstruction of the entire hypopharynx utilizing a combination of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and dermal graft minimizes bulkiness, thus achieving satisfactory to excellent functional results. The operation has been performed on four patients with excellent deglutition. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is utilized to reconstruct the anterior and lateral walls of the hypopharynx, the dermal graft for the posterior wall as far superior as the vault of the nasopharynx. The operative procedure is described. Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap usually provides enough length to reach the distant site of the surgical defect. On occasion, however, additional length is desirable to avoid tension along the suture line. This becomes apparent when a random portion of elevated pectoralis major myocutaneous flap presents questionable viability which may require further trimming. Resection of the medial half of the clavicle can provide additional length of this flap by 2 cm to 2.5 cm.     

耳颞部肿瘤切除术后巨大缺损修复重建术

目的 探讨耳颞部晚期肿瘤切除术后巨大组织缺损的一期重建方法。方法 对11例耳颞部晚期肿瘤患者实施肿瘤扩大根治性切除及带蒂胸大肌肌皮瓣、背阔肌肌皮瓣和游离腹直肌肌皮瓣转移耳颞部巨大缺损一期重建术。结果 所有患者的肿瘤都得到了完整切除,并在手术切除后于耳颞区留下一个巨大的复合组织缺损。根据缺损的位置和特点共实施带蒂胸大肌肌皮瓣移植8例,带蒂背阔肌肌皮瓣1例,游离腹直肌肌皮瓣移植2例,皮瓣全部成活。术后除1例发生皮瓣下感染外无其它并发症发生,所有患者的缺损都得以满意修复。结论 只要手术适应症选择恰当,修复方法选择合理,这类病人的手术治疗仍是值得提倡的。     

Reconstruction of circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy using a 'horseshoe-shaped' pectoralis major myocutaneous flap

Eighteen patients underwent a circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy reconstruction post pharyngolaryngectomy. All tumours showed pharyngo-oesophageal junction invasion or circular involvement of the hypopharynx, requiring total, circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy. A pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was directly sutured to the pre-vertebral fascia. A Montgomery salivary bypass tube was introduced into the oesophagus, and a nasogastric tube was placed within it. No post-operative complications occurred for 14 patients and only minor ones for the other four. Average post-operative stay was 12 days. For 15 patients, feeding returned to normal throughout the follow-up period. No fistulae were noted and neopharyngeal stenosis occurred in three patients (16 per cent). Thirteen had complete resection with normal margins. Thirteen were still alive after one to three years of follow up. The local recurrence rate was 16 per cent. The use of a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap with Spriano's technique provides a simple, reliable method for circumferential hypopharyngeal resection. It has been applied to a wide range of patients, especially elderly ones and those with poor general status, as well as to cases in which widespread involvement was detected during surgery.