Deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with iliac crest for oromandibular reconstruction

When combined with iliac bone, perforator flaps are more chimeric, and there is increased mobile skin island to reconstruct soft tissue defects in the oral and maxillofacial region. This study examined oromandibular defects reconstructed using deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with iliac crest (DCIAPF). We retrospectively reviewed records of 23 patients with mandibular defects received DCIAPFs after oncological resection for oromandibular reconstruction from November 2015 to August 2016. All perforators, identified before surgery by Doppler examination, were terminal perforators of DCIA. DCIAPFs were successfully harvested in all patients. The flap survival rate was 95.6% (22/23); one flap failed due to artery spasm. Three patients developed slight skinedge necrosis in the skin island. Anatomical reconstruction contour of the mandible and sufficient bone length and height were achieved, with no serious donor-site complications during the follow-up period. The results demonstrated that DCIAPF is a favorable single-flap option for oromandibular reconstruction after oncological resection with fewer donor-site complications because of its adequate bone tissue and satisfactory soft tissue, with a constant location of the perforator.     

Deep circumflex iliac artery flap combined with a costochondral graft for mandibular reconstruction

Our aim was to use the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap together with a costochondral graft as a safe and reliable bone flap for routine reconstruction of the mandibular body and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Five patients with benign tumours of the mandible had segmental mandibulectomy including the condyle, and this was reconstructed in one stage using the DCIA combined with a constochondral graft. The rib was inserted into the iliac crest as a whole transplant, and fixed to the proximal stump of the mandible with a prebent reconstruction plate according to a computer-aided design. The grafts healed uneventfully, and dental implants were inserted in 4 cases. During the 2-year follow-up these patients had good mandibular function, including mouth opening, force of bite, and occlusion. The radiographs showed good bony consolidation between the graft and the stump of the mandible and function of the TMJ.A DCIA flap combined with a costochondral graft is a safe and reliable way to provide not only a large bulk of bone to suit the mandible, but also good function of the TMJ in the absence of radiotherapy.     

腹壁浅动脉穿支皮瓣修复口腔颌面部软组织缺损3例报道

目的: 评价腹壁浅动脉（superficial inferior epigastric artery,SIEA）穿支皮瓣在口腔颌面部肿瘤术后软组织缺损修复重建中的应用价值。方法 选择临床诊断为舌癌、颊癌、口底癌的患者各1例,术前应用彩色多普勒超声和（或）计算机体层扫描血管造影对双侧下腹部血管条件进行评估,明确腹壁浅动、静脉的起始管径和走行,并完成体表定位。根据病灶部位和缺损大小、形态,设计血管蒂的长度和皮瓣的大小、位置。术中解剖血管蒂,制备皮瓣,转移至受区,完成缺损修复。评价患者的受区重建效果及供区并发症发生情况。术后随访12~14个月。结果 3例患者的腹壁浅动、静脉血管条件良好。根据术区缺损大小,制取的SIEA穿支皮瓣分别为9 cm×6 cm、8 cm×5 cm、10 cm×6 cm,血管蒂长度8~10 cm,血管蒂动脉管径0.7~1.0 mm,静脉管径1.8~2.0 mm,血管分别与受区的甲状腺上动脉、面总静脉吻合。术后皮瓣成活,受区软组织缺损修复效果良好,下腹部供区无并发症。结论 SIEA穿支皮瓣的血管蒂位置比较表浅,可通过影像学检查进行体表定位,降低了皮瓣制备的难度;同时,皮瓣制备过程中不损伤腹直肌鞘及腹部肌肉,术后供区并发症少,且瘢痕隐蔽。SIEA穿支皮瓣可望成为口腔颌面部软组织缺损修复重建较好的临床选择。     

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。     

Bone volume change following vascularized free bone flap reconstruction of the mandible

BackgroundBone volume changes following vascularized bone flaps and possible confounding factors over time are described in the literature with some controversy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone volume behavior of two frequently used free flaps.Materials and methodsComputed tomography (CT) scans were examined with regard to bone volume using the software program ITK-SNAP for all patients who required mandibular reconstruction with a free fibula flap (FFF, conventionally vs assisted by computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)) or iliac crest flap (DCIA) following mandibular resection because of benign or malign processes, between August 2010 and August 2015. Clinical data, complication rates, and CT scans were analyzed retrospectively. Additionally, complication rates (microvascular revision, flap loss, postoperative fistula or dehiscence, and postoperative bone exposure) were compared within early (≤30 days), late (31st–100th day), and overall (≤100th day) postoperative time intervals.Results113 cases, comprizing 89 FFF and 24 DCIA cases, were included. FFF showed superior bone volume behavior over the DCIA flap. Multivariable regression models assessed the relationships between the following and bone volume behavior: interval between operation and CT scan (p < 0.683), age (p = 0.004), gender (p = 0.006), BMI (p = 0.400), adjuvant radiation therapy (p = 0.334), reconstruction with DCIA flap (p < 0.0001), number of segments (p = 0.02), and incidence of dental implant insertion (p = 0.45).ConclusionsThe bone volume of FFFs remains stable. DCIA flaps show a higher bone volume reduction, but the postoperative course might be associated with fewer complications. Time interval between operation and CT scan, age, gender, reconstruction with DCIA flap, and number of fibula segments contributed significantly to bone volume behavior.     

A combined anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized iliac crest flap in the reconstruction of extended composite defects of the anterior mandible

The technique of lower anterior facial reconstruction using a combination of an anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) and a microvascular iliac crest flap is described and the results of 18 cases are reported. Eleven patients suffered recurrence after surgery and radiotherapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma of the lower face. These patients underwent a second surgery and reconstruction. In seven patients reconstruction was performed during primary surgical therapy, followed by postoperative radiotherapy. The pedicle of the ALTF was used for elongation of the iliac crest pedicle. There were no problems with the pedicle length and anastomoses even in patients who had received previous surgery and irradiation of the neck. There was no flap loss. There were no severe postoperative complications. One patient had distant metastases 18 months postoperatively. In all other patients there was no tumour recurrence or metastasis within 10-43 months of follow-up. The ALTF and vascularized iliac bone flap combination is useful in reconstruction of the lower face. The main advantage is the elongation of the iliac flap pedicle by the ALTF pedicle in patients with previous surgery in the neck.     

The deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (DCIAP)—A reconstructive option for the large composite oro-mandibular cutaneous defect

The deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap is often used for mandibular reconstruction but it is bulky and causes additional donor-site morbidity because of the inclusion of an “obligatory internal oblique muscle”. Large composite segmental mandibular resections that consist of floor of mouth, subtotal tongue, and adjacent facial skin are a challenge in terms of reconstruction. They often require 2 free flaps or a free scapular flap and both have disadvantages. The deep circumflex iliac artery perforator (DCIAP) flap with a cutaneous component overcomes the disadvantages. We describe reconstructions with DCIAP flaps in 3 patients with large mandibular composite segmental defects. We report our experience of the flap and discuss some of the difficulties we encountered and the points we learned perioperatively.     

Accurate occlusion-driven maxillary reconstruction with deep circumflex iliac artery flap using computer-assisted techniques and intraoral anastomosis: a case series

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of occlusion-driven maxillary reconstruction with the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap, using computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology and intraoral anastomosis. The data of 11 patients who underwent occlusion-driven maxillary reconstruction with this method between December 2018 and December 2020 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology were reviewed retrospectively. Postoperative complications and functional and aesthetic outcomes were recorded. The accuracy of the postoperative restoration was assessed using Geomagic Control 2014. Reconstruction was successful in nine patients; all were satisfied with their aesthetic and functional outcomes. One patient underwent extraoral anastomosis after failure of intraoral anastomosis. In another patient, the DCIA flap had to be removed after the operation because of flap failure. Among the 10 patients with DCIA flap success, colour map analysis showed a mean deviation of 0.40 ± 0.08 mm between the preoperative and postoperative craniomaxillary models. Thus, occlusion-driven maxillary reconstruction with the DCIA flap, using CAD/CAM technology and intraoral anastomosis, appears to be a feasible and accurate method for the repair of maxillary defects.     

Three-dimensional CAD/CAM reconstruction of the iliac bone following DCIA composite flap harvest

This article reports a new technique to restore iliac bone integrity with a customized titanium device designed by CAD/CAM, in patients undergoing deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) composite flap harvest. Eight consecutive patients who underwent the repair of major head and neck defects with DCIA flaps were enrolled retrospectively. Computed tomography scans of the pelvis were obtained preoperatively. Starting from DICOM data, each personalized device was designed using modelling software and was finally made by additive manufacturing using a laser sintering machine. After surgery, the patients were followed up at 3-month intervals to evaluate the incidence of complications and the long-term outcome at the donor site. A subcutaneous seroma developed in one patient and an inguinal skin burn occurred in another. At a median follow-up of 12 months, the patients did not report pain, or any gait or sensory disturbance at the donor site. There was no occurrence of bulging, herniation, or instability or inflammation near the device for the entire follow-up duration. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic result. In conclusion, reconstruction of the iliac bone with a customized device is safe and well tolerated. We recommend use of this device in patients deemed at high risk of herniation. Further studies are needed to confirm the stability of the device in the long term.     

Intraoral cheek transposition flap for primary reconstruction of the soft palate.

A method for primary reconstruction of the soft palate following radical tumor resection is described. The resulting defects can be repaired with 2 layers of tissue by combination of a cranial pedicled pharyngeal flap and a cranial pedicled intraoral cheek transposition (IOCT-) flap. For additional resection of the lateral pharyngeal wall the technique can be combined with a masseter crossover flap. The method allows satisfying restoration of swallowing and speech with relatively small operative effort.     

游离组织瓣修复口腔颌面部缺损183例临床分析

目的:总结游离组织瓣在口腔颌面部软、硬组织缺损修复中的应用及提高其成功率的经验。方法 :2001—2011年(10年)期间,我院行游离组织瓣修复口腔颌面部缺损的病例共计183例,其中前臂皮瓣91例,腓骨复合组织瓣78例,股前外侧皮瓣14例,用于修复舌、颊、腭、口底、上颌骨、下颌骨等部位缺损,回顾性分析其成活率及术后并发症。结果:179块组织瓣成活,总成活率为97.8%,失败率为2.2%。其中前臂皮瓣成活率为96.7%,腓骨复合组织瓣为98.7%,股前外侧皮瓣为100%。结论 :前臂皮瓣是口腔颌面部软组织缺损修复的首选皮瓣,股前外侧皮瓣只有在大范围缺损时使用,对于上、下颌骨缺损均可采用腓骨复合组织瓣修复。术后1周内监测皮瓣,及时发现血管危象并手术探查处理,是保证游离组织瓣成活的关键。     

Superiorly based facial artery musculomucosal flap for large anterior palatal fistulae in clefts.

OBJECTIVE: An anterior hard palate fistula for which more than one attempt at repair using local tissue has failed is a difficult complication in cleft surgery. Prior to alveolar bone grafting, cleft patients have an open anterior maxillary arch that allows passage of a pedicled flap from cheek to hard palate. The superiorly based facial artery musculomucosal flap passed through the clefted alveolus is one of the newer techniques to solve this difficult problem. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of using a facial artery musculomucosal flap with an anterosuperiorly based pedicle with retrograde blood flow to repair a large anterior hard palate fistula when a lack of adequate local soft tissue precludes a local flap closure and the patient otherwise would need a tongue flap. RESULTS: Of 16 facial artery musculomucosal flaps in 14 children, 12 were successful, 2 suffered partial flap loss secondary to venous congestion, and 2 had complete flap failure. One had a small wound dehiscence that resulted in a small posterior fistula. CONCLUSION: An anterosuperiorly based facial artery musculomucosal flap is a viable option to close large anterior hard palate defects. Care needs to be taken to ensure adequate venous drainage. This flap obviates the need for a staged tongue flap repair for those patients with an open maxillary arch.     

同期神经化髂骨瓣在下颌骨重建中保存下唇及颏部感觉的效果评价

目的 ：评价同期神经化髂骨瓣在修复下颌骨缺损中,重建下牙槽神经,保存下唇及颏部感觉的效果。方法 ：对于下颌骨连续性缺损需颌骨重建的患者,通过随机数字表将患者随机分配到神经化组和对照组,神经化组患者在颌骨重建术中吻合旋髂深动静脉与受区血管,并同期吻合支配腹内斜肌及髂骨的髂腹股沟神经与受区的颏神经、下牙槽神经残端;对照组术中只进行血管吻合而不进行神经重建。术中用神经监护仪检测髂骨瓣神经吻合后的神经电活力。术后通过两点辨别觉（two point discrimination, TPD）检查、感觉神经阈值(current perception threshold, CPT)检测及Touch test感觉测试丝(Touch test sensory evaluator, TTSE)检测记录患者下唇及颏部感觉恢复情况。采用SPSS 26.0软件包对数据进行统计学分析。结果：共纳入20例患者,每组各10例,2组髂骨瓣存活率均为100%,未发生皮瓣危象等严重并发症,供区无明显并发症。TPD检测、CPT测试及TTSE检测结果均提示,神经化组术后感觉减退程度更小（P<0.05）。结论：“环路重构”式...     

Early bone resorption of free microvascular reanastomized bone grafts for mandibular reconstruction – A comparison of iliac crest and fibula grafts

ObjectivesPatients with continuous bone defects of the mandible after ablative tumor surgery need bony reconstruction for proper function and aesthetics. Free microvascular reanastomized bone grafts provide a clinically proven option for such patients, yet the optimal source of donor tissue has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the bone volume stability of vascularized bone grafts, particularly in the early highly resorptive phase, from the iliac crest (DCIA) and the fibula and to assess the implantologic rehabilitations.Materials and methodsThirty-six patients with mandibular continuity defects due to tumor resection were reconstructed by the use of vascularized bone grafts; 21 patients received DCIA flaps and 15 patients received a composite free fibular flap, depending on the size and location of the defect. Bone resorption was assessed using digital panographs. Radiographs were taken immediately after bone reconstruction, 6 months postoperatively, prior to implant surgery, and at prosthetic loading.ResultsAfter a mean observation period of 6 months, vertical bone resorption was 6.79% for the patients of the iliac crest group (DCIA), 10.20% after 11 months, and 12.58% after 17 months. Fibular grafts showed a bone resorption of 5.30% after a mean observation time of 6 months, 8.26% after 11 months, and 16.95% after 17 months. Eighteen patients received 71 implants for implant-retained dental reconstructions.ConclusionsMicrovascular reanastomized bone grafts represent a reliable treatment option for reconstruction in cases of large defects of the mandible, with low graft resorption in the early healing phase. Additionally, the compared grafts provide sufficient bone volume to permit implant rehabilitation.     

Thin superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for reconstruction of the tongue

The superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap is widely used in the repair of large soft tissue defects of the extremities and in breast reconstruction. Because of the high fat content of the abdomen, it has been less used for glossectomy reconstruction. Here we present a series of seven patients who each underwent reconstruction with a thin SIEA flap after resection of the tongue. There were six men and one woman (mean age 48, range 24–66 years). All patients underwent preoperative computed tomographic (CT) angiography, and colour Doppler ultrasound (US) was used to select and map the most suitable SIEA. The flap was raised above the Scarpa's layer while adjusted the plane of dissection according to the specific needs for bulk in each case. All the flaps survived; one flap required a secondary anastomosis because of a venous anastomotic embolus. The size of flap used was 5.0 cm × 6.0 cm - 7.0 cm × 9.0 cm, and the flap was 0.8 cm-1.4 cm thick. The functional outcome was evaluated at 6 - 18 months follow up, when speech and swallowing were both good in all cases. The dissection above the pubic symphysis is an important refinement of the SIEA flap, and we conclude that the thin SIEA flap is a good choice for reconstruction after excision of cancer of the tongue.     

Comparison of outcome of microvascular bony head and neck reconstructions using the fibular free flap and the iliac crest flap

Several microvascular free flaps are available for reconstruction of the osseous components after resections for head and neck cancer. We have prospectively evaluated patients treated by bony microsurgical reconstruction to identify predictors of adverse outcomes for delayed wound healing and failure of free flaps. All patients from July 2007 to June 2011 who had reconstructions with microvascular fibular or iliac crest flaps immediately after resection of the tumour were evaluated. There were a total of 156 bony free flaps: 120 (77%) fibular and 36 (23%) iliac crest flaps. A total of 133 (85%) were successful. Delayed wound healing was more common with the iliac crest flap (p = 0.01) at the intraoral site (p = 0.04). Significantly more iliac crest free flaps failed (p = 0.02). Anastomosis to the facial artery (p = 0.05) and facial vein (p = 0.04), and duration of overall operating time were associated with a significantly higher risk of failure of the flap. Patients with cancer of the head and neck who require microsurgical bony reconstruction are at increased risk of postoperative complications. Significantly more complications were found with the iliac crest flap, whereas the fibular flap was associated with a significantly longer operating time.     

逆行面动脉瓣修复口腔颌面部肿瘤术后缺损12例报道

目的:探讨逆行面动脉瓣修复口腔颌面部肿瘤缺损的效果。方法:选择2008年5月—2011年1月在中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院口腔科就诊的发生于上颌、软腭、颊部等口裂以上的12例肿瘤患者,肿瘤根治术同期采用逆行面动脉瓣修复组织缺损。结果:12例患者中,皮瓣成活11例(91.7%),完全坏死1例。术后随访8～36个月,局部、颈部肿瘤复发各1例。下颌下区切口均一期愈合,无裂开。2例患者术后出现面神经损伤。结论:逆行面动脉瓣制备简单,血供可靠,适合修复口腔颌面部口裂以上的缺损。     

Temporoparietal osteofascial flap for head and neck reconstruction.

PURPOSE: This article describes the use of the temporoparietal osteofascial flap (TOF) for reconstruction of bony defects in the midface and mandible. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the demographics, etiology, indications, surgical technique, radiographic evaluation, and final outcome of 11 patients with upper or lower jaw defects who underwent reconstruction using the TOF between 1994 and 1999. RESULTS: The TOF was used to reconstruct a defect of the mandible in 7 patients, the hard palate in 2 patients, the maxilla in 1 patient, and the zygoma in 1 patient. The defect was a result of tumor resection in 9 patients and of trauma in 2 patients. The defect size ranged from 3 to 6 cm. Ten flaps (91%) were successful and 1 flap failed. There was 1 donor site complication (small dural tear) that was repaired immediately without sequelae. One patient had osseointegrated dental implants placed in the bone with good results. Exploration of the construction area was performed in 1 patient 13 months after surgery because of recurrent tumor. It showed a fully integrated bone flap. CONCLUSION: This vascularized calvarial bone flap can be used for the reconstruction of small to medium-sized defects of the maxilla and lateral mandible with good functional and cosmetic results. It can be performed without special microvascular expertise and with minimal donor site morbidity. A full-thickness bone flap can support osseointegrated dental implants.     

Complications and loss of free flaps after reconstructions for oral cancer

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the incidence of complications and loss of flaps after primary reconstructions for oral cancer in 191 patients at our hospital over the five years 2005–2010. The patients’ clinical and personal details, characteristics of the tumours, types of microvascular flap, complications, and outcomes were recorded. The soft tissue flaps used most often were the fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flap (RFFF) (n = 86, 45%) and the anterolateral thigh free flap (ALTFF) (n = 48, 25%) while the most commonly used osseous flap was the deep circumflex iliac artery flap (DCIA) (n = 25, 13%). There were postoperative complications that required intervention in a quarter of the patients, most often in the age group 41–50 years (p = 0.018). Older age was not associated with the development of complications. The overall survival of all free flaps was 181/191 (95%), and the only significant individual predictor of loss of a flap was reconstruction with a DCIA (p = 0.016), five of the 25 of which were lost. We conclude therefore that DCIA free flaps are associated with an increased risk of failure; the method of osseous reconstruction for maxillofacial reconstruction should be selected carefully; and carefully chosen older patients do not seem to be at increased risk of morbidity.     

Reconstruction of complex oro-facial defects using the myocutaneous sub-mental artery flap

Oro-facial defects require reconstruction that provides suitable colour match and texture. Moreover inner and outer cheek lining and bulk are key considerations. In cases of severe oro-facial infections concomitant mandibular abnormality, for example trismus, can mandate the need for tissue to obturate mandibular defects. We assessed the use of the myocutaneous sub-mental artery flap (MSA) in non-oncological patients with such defects. Twenty two consecutive patients were included in this case series. All patients were survivors of Cancrum Oris (NOMA). Demographic details, nutritional status and co-morbidities were recorded. Defects were classified according to the tissues destroyed; cheek, mandible, oral cavity, lip(s), nose and eye(s). Simultaneous procedures carried out were recorded. The surgical anatomy of the MSA is described. All patients had composite defects of the cheek and oral cavity plus another local anatomical structure. Adjunct procedures such as trismus release were carried out in 18/22 patients. Four patients required a return to theatre. There was no trismus recurrence observed. No flap losses were incurred. The MSA is a robust flap with minimal incidence of major complications. The MSA negates the need for microsurgical tissue transfer. Furthermore the MSA provides adequate bulk to obturate these defects. Future applications of the MSA may include complex oro-facial oncological defects.