Utility of the lateral arm free flap in oral cavity reconstruction: a single-centre experience with Chinese patients

The lateral arm flap (LAF) may offer an alternative option for oral cavity repair. Twenty-five Chinese patients with oral cavity defects were reconstructed with a LAF. The anatomical characteristics of the flap, the donor site complications, and the functional and aesthetic assessments of recipient site were reviewed. The overall flap survival was 96.0% (24/25patients). The average pedicle length was 7.07 ± 1.09 cm when it was cut off at the insert of the deltoid, with an average arterial diameter of 1.30 ± 0.37 mm and vein diameter of 2.06 ± 0.48 mm. The average flap length was 7.06 ± 1.01 cm, and the average flap breadth was 5.28 ± 0.66 cm, with the average flap size ranging from 18 to 42 cm². One to three reliable perforators supplied the flap, with the proximal, middle, and distal perforators being located at 9.9 ± 1.1 cm, 8.6 ± 1.4 cm, and 5.7 ± 1.2 cm from the lateral epicondyle, respectively. The donor defect was closed primarily and healed uneventfully. A longitudinal scar was the most common morbidity of the donor site. The function and shape of the reconstructed tissues were well restored. The LAF provides a reliable choice for reconstructing medium-sized oral cavity defects, with minimal donor-site morbidity and ideally functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of the recipient site.     

游离延展上臂外侧皮瓣在口腔癌术后软组织缺损中的应用

目的 探讨游离延展上臂外侧皮瓣修复口腔癌术后软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法 2011年1月—2013年12月,应用游离延展上臂外侧皮瓣一期修复15例口腔癌扩大切除术造成的软组织缺损,术前应用多普勒血流探测仪测量桡侧副动脉无变异后,根据其走行以及术中软组织缺损的面积、形态设计皮瓣,皮瓣均越过肱骨外上髁,面积为4 cｍ×5 cm～11 cm×5 cm,血管蒂长约10cm。供区创面直接拉拢缝合。结果 14例皮瓣成活,１例因术后第2天发生动脉血管危象,抢救皮瓣无效,皮瓣坏死。术后随访12个月以上,所有患者均无肿瘤复发,肘部瘢痕较细,肘运动无障碍,未出现桡神经损伤引起的垂腕,２例患者供区局部有麻木感,６个月后症状减轻。术后患者语言功能恢复良好,鼻咽纤维镜检查吞咽顺利,腭咽闭合良好。所有患者ｌｉｋｅｒｔ评分法均为4～5分。结论 游离延展上臂外侧皮瓣解剖恒定、厚度适宜、血供可靠,是修复口腔癌术后软组织缺损的一种较好的选择。     

Early oral intake after reconstruction with a free flap for cancer of the oral cavity

To allow healing of the surgical wound patients are traditionally given nothing by mouth for 6–12 days after resection and reconstruction of a cancer of the oral cavity. Our aim was to assess the impact of introducing oral intake within 6 days postoperatively. Consecutive patients who had resection and reconstruction of a cancer of the oral cavity with a free flap within an 8-year period were selected from the head and neck database. Personal and social data; type, stage, and site of the tumour; type of resection and free flap; postoperative complications; and duration of hospital stay were recorded, supplemented by review of casenotes for the time that oral intake was started, duration of nasogastric and tracheostomy intubation, and changes in body weight. Patients in the early oral intake group started oral intake within 5 days postoperatively, and those in the late group began feeding from postoperative day 6. The duration of hospital stay in the early group was significantly shorter than that in the late group. There was, however, no difference in the morbidity, including orocutaneous fistula, between the two groups. The duration of nasogastric and tracheostomy intubation was shorter, and weight loss was less, in the early group than in the late group, but not significantly so. Early oral feeding does not increase the morbidity for patients having resection and reconstruction with free flaps for cancers of the oral cavity. Early oral intake is associated with a shorter hospital stay, and this may have implications for improved postoperative outcome.     

Risk factors for postoperative delirium in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for oral cancer

The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for postoperative delirium in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for defects after oral cancer resection. This was a non-randomized, retrospective cohort study involving 102 patients who underwent oral cancer resection and free flap reconstruction. Data were collected from the medical records. Postoperative delirium occurred in 34 patients (33.3%), of whom 27 were male and seven were female. High preoperative total protein and albumin, diabetes mellitus, history of smoking, use of hypnotics or antipsychotics, time until getting out of bed after surgery, and postoperative insomnia were significantly related to delirium in the univariate analysis (P < 0.05). In a multiple logistic regression model, high preoperative albumin (odds ratio 4.45), postoperative insomnia (odds ratio 10.72), and history of smoking (odds ratio 2.91) were significant risk factors for delirium (P < 0.05). The analysis of laboratory data before and after surgery showed greater decreases in albumin, total protein, and haemoglobin after surgery in patients with postoperative delirium than in those without this condition. These results show that the perioperative maintenance of nutritional status and early postoperative management of the sleep cycle are important to prevent delirium after oral cancer resection and free flap reconstruction.     

游离皮瓣移植修复口腔颌面部缺损的临床效果观察

目的探讨游离皮瓣在修复口腔颌面部缺损中的临床应用价值。方法选择2006年03月—2010年08月中国医科大学口腔医学院口腔颌面外科用游离皮瓣修复口腔颌面部缺损病例168例,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。结果成功164(97.6%)例,失败4例,患者出现术后早期局部并发症6.5%(11/168),术后皮瓣危象发生率为5.4%(9/168),其中静脉血栓形成66.7%(6/9),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2～2.5年大部分患者外形及功能满意。结论游离皮瓣修复口腔颌面部缺损的成活率高,前臂皮瓣、股前外侧皮瓣、腓骨肌(皮)瓣、背阔肌皮瓣是修复口腔颌面部缺损的常用皮瓣。     

Hand perfusion following radial or ulnar forearm free flap harvest for oral cavity reconstruction: A prospective study

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) and ulnar forearm free flap (UFFF) are used in head and neck reconstruction because they provide a thin and pliable skin paddle as well as a long vascular pedicle. However, in spite of several studies showing the safety of the UFFF, the RFFF is more popular among reconstructive surgeons based on concerns about hand ischaemia. A prospective study was designed in which 10 UFFF and 11 RFFF surgeries were performed in 20 patients undergoing oral cavity reconstruction between January 2017 and July 2018. Hand vascular parameters were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using Doppler ultrasound and plethysmography. The preoperative and postoperative diameters of the radial and ulnar arteries, and the flow velocities through the remainder of the forearm artery were measured preoperatively and at 3 months postoperative. Additionally, a comparison was performed between the preoperative and postoperative fingertip perfusion values according to impedance plethysmography. The preoperative mean diameter of the radial artery (2.89 ± 0.47 mm) was significantly greater than that of the ulnar artery (2.35 ± 0.48 mm) at the level of the wrist; however, 3 months after the surgery, the mean diameters of the two arteries did not differ significantly. There were no differences in digital perfusion when a UFFF was used compared with an RFFF.     

Evaluation of swallowing function after intraoral soft tissue reconstruction with microvascular free flaps

This study assessed swallowing function after tumour resection and reconstruction utilizing free vascularized flap closures in patients with oral cancer. Swallowing function was evaluated postoperatively in 23 patients (21 men and 2 women) who had undergone reconstruction with either a lateral upper arm free flap (LUFF, n=16) or a radial forearm free flap (RFFF, n=7). Videofluoroscopy was used to assess tongue mobility and abnormalities of swallowing function.All patients who underwent reconstruction with LUFF or RFFF free flaps had decreased tongue mobility, except for the tip of the tongue. Patients who underwent anterior or posterior resection had greater decreases in tongue mobility than those who underwent medial resection. Swallowing impairment was similar in patients with LUFFs and those with RFFFs. Anterior resection of the oral cavity had a significant negative effect on swallowing function. Silent aspiration occurred in five patients. In conclusion the resection site affected swallowing function, but the type of flap did not, in patients with oral carcinoma, who underwent tumour resection with reconstruction     

Functional reconstruction and evaluation of oral cavity: flap design and guideline

The radial forearm free flap is a useful reconstructive method of surgical defects after oral and oropharyngeal tumor resection. We evaluated the swallowing and speech outcomes of radial forearm free flap reconstruction for oral and oropharyngeal cancers.     

Cost analysis of oral and maxillofacial free flap reconstruction for patients at an institution in China

Free flap transplantation has become a mainstay for the restoration of oral and maxillofacial defects. However, the complexity of the surgical procedure and long hospitalization time result in high hospitalization costs. This study was performed to retrospectively analyse the composition of hospitalization expenses and factors influencing this for 507 patients who underwent oral and maxillofacial free flap transplantation at a representative medical institution in China. The aim was to provide evidence for the reasonable control of expenditure and effective utilization of medical resources, and to gain an indirect reflection of the healthcare model characteristics of public hospitals in China. The average hospitalization cost was found to be US$ 9265 ± 2284. Factors affecting hospitalization expenses were the type of free flap, tracheotomy, postoperative complications, and length of stay. The largest proportion of hospitalization expenses was the cost of materials (44.94%). Although the total hospitalization cost was lower than that in Western countries, the medical burden of patients was higher, and the corresponding medical charges do not fully reflect the value of medical services. We recommend reducing hospitalization expenses and the medical burden by shortening the hospital stay, selecting reasonably priced medical materials, strengthening airway management of patients undergoing tracheotomy, and enhancing the control and treatment of comorbidities in order to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.     

Comparison of islanded facial artery myomucosal flap with fasciocutaneous free flaps in the reconstruction of lateral oral tongue defects

The aim of this study was to determine whether the islanded facial artery myomucosal flap (iFAMM) is a good alternative to fasciocutaneous free flaps (FCFF) in the reconstruction of lateral oral tongue defects. This was a retrospective study of 40 patients with oral tongue cancers (lateral lesions not >4 cm) operated on between August 2014 and March 2017, who underwent primary reconstruction with either an iFAMM or FCFF. The two groups were compared with respect to intraoperative time, total intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, complications, speech, swallowing, aesthetics, donor site morbidity, and economic feasibility. Patients who had an iFAMM had a reduced operating time, duration of ICU stay, and length of hospitalization; this flap was also more economically feasible. Better aesthetics and less donor site morbidity were also seen. The iFAMM is an alternative to FCFF in the reconstruction of lateral oral tongue defects, as it is less technically demanding, has good aesthetic outcomes, and is more economical, with acceptable donor site morbidity.     

游离腓肠内侧动脉穿支皮瓣修复头颈部缺损的初步研究

目的 探讨游离腓肠内侧动脉穿支皮瓣在头颈部缺损修复中的应用.方法 2010年4月至2011年1月16例患者头颈部肿瘤切除后拟用游离腓肠内侧动脉穿支皮瓣修复组织缺损,术前采用超声多普勒血流仪或彩色多普勒超声检测穿支血管,设计皮瓣,术中记录皮瓣大小、穿支血管的数目和血管蒂长度,术后观察游离瓣成活情况,随访记录供区愈合情况及评价术后并发症.结果 最终完成游离腓肠内侧动脉穿支皮瓣修复16例,15例皮瓣术后成活,1例术后因静脉危象手术探查后皮瓣部分存活.供区15例直接缝合,1例植皮.15例供区Ⅰ期愈合,1例因术后供区肌肉坏死行清创手术后愈合.14例术后随访3～ 12个月,所有患者供区除因瘢痕致远端皮肤触觉异常外,远期无明显功能障碍.结论 游离腓肠内侧动脉穿支皮瓣供区并发症轻微,适用头颈部中小型缺损修复.     

穿支皮瓣在口腔颌面部缺损重建中的应用

穿支皮瓣是由以管径细小(0.5~0.8 mm)的穿支血管供血的,包含皮肤或者皮下组织的轴型血管皮瓣.因其具有供区损伤小及受区功能好等特点,穿支皮瓣被广泛应用于口腔颌面部缺损重建修复中.目前,关于穿支皮瓣在口腔颌面部缺损重建中的报道越来越多,但是关于皮瓣术前穿支定位以及皮瓣修复后期削薄方面的研究较少.本文就穿支皮瓣的特点、分类、解剖学基础及其在口腔颌面部缺损修复重建应用中的相关问题作一综述.     

Oral rehabilitation after mandibular reconstruction using an osteocutaneous fibula free flap with endosseous implants. Factors affecting the functional outcome in patients with oral cancer

BACKGROUND: The development of endosseous implants and free vascularized bone grafting has permitted increased possibilities of oromandibular reconstruction in patients with oral cancer. In this study, a concept combining surgical and prosthodontic treatments for mandibular fibula free flap reconstruction after tumor surgery was made based on a classification of bone defects. A follow-up study was performed to evaluate the treatment concept for oral rehabilitation in order to identify possible factors which may influence the functional result. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A follow-up examination included 28 patients who underwent the ablative tumor surgery and mandibular reconstruction during a 4-year period. The follow-up protocol included clinical examination, radiological evaluation, and an interview using a standardized questionnaire. The timing of the study was set to allow for a minimum 2-year follow-up (mean 45 months). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: At the time of examination, prosthesis-based oral rehabilitation was completed in six patients (21%), and the prosthodontic work was still unfinished in four other patients. The other 18 had no dental prosthetic rehabilitation. Thirteen patients received a total of 37 oral implants, and 23 implants were functionally loaded. No implant loss was recorded. Oral functions such as speech, diet tolerance and oral competence were not directly affected by the presence of dentures. A decisive factor affecting the oral function was the extent of soft-tissue loss. According to the classification described here, the extent of the mandibular defect did not correlate with oral functions. The application of oral implants seemed to be advantageous for the oral rehabilitation of patients who had undergone intraoral resections.     

颈阔肌皮瓣在口腔颌面部缺损修复中的应用

颈阔肌皮瓣的临床应用已有30多年,该皮瓣质地柔软、制取操作便捷,较适合口腔颌面中小型缺损的修复。临床上,可根据缺损的部位选择不同类型的颈阔肌皮瓣。由于颈阔肌皮瓣成活率较高、供区并发症低以及在美观和功能方面具有优势,因此其仍然是口腔颌面缺损的重要修复手段。     

上臂外侧皮瓣在口腔颌面缺损修复中的应用

目的：探讨游离上臂外侧皮瓣（LAFF）在口腔颌面部恶性肿瘤根治术后软组织缺损修复重建中的应用价值。方法：自2012-01～2012-12,应用LAFF修复口腔颌面部肿瘤术后缺损的患者22例,观察记录皮瓣大小、制取时间、血管直径、吻合时间、组织瓣成活情况、手术修复成功率及术后效果,评价其优缺点。结果：皮瓣面积最大14 cm ×8 cm,最小6 cm ×4 cm。术后22例皮瓣均成活,未发生血管危象;并发症少,修复效果满意。结论：LAFF解剖位置恒定,制取简单,能满足常见口腔颌面部肿瘤术后软组织缺损修复。     

Fibula free flap splitting for mandible reconstruction: A technical note

Conformation of the fibula flap to passively adapt to the remaining mandible may be indeed challenging. A review of the ‘axial splitting’ technique for fibula free flaps is presented with a novel method of osteosynthesis. Adequate mandibular angle shape is achieved by performing this type of osteotomy with a minimal use of titanium hardware for flap insetting.     

The role of free flap reconstruction in paediatric caustic burns

Ingestion of caustic soda can cause severe scarring of the oral cavity and the surrounding soft tissues. Free flap reconstruction for burns in the oral cavity has been described as a viable option in adults, but to the best of our knowledge has not been reported in children. We describe cases of successful microvascular reconstruction for burns caused by caustic soda in the oral cavity in children.     

Lateral segmental mandibulectomy reconstruction with bridging reconstruction plate and anterolateral thigh free flap: a case series of 30 consecutive patients

Lateral posterior segmental mandibular defects present a reconstructive challenge and an osseous flap would be the gold standard to reconstruct such a defect. However, combining a mandibular reconstruction plate (MRP) with a soft-tissue free flap (to restore mucosal integrity and provide durable coverage of the plate itself) offers an alternative option for posterior segmental mandibular defects in patients who are not suitable for osseous reconstruction, or do not choose it. We retrospectively reviewed 30 consecutive patients (19 male and 11 female) who underwent reconstruction of a segmental mandibulectomy defect using a bridging MRP and anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap. The mean (range) age was 67 (31-87) years. The American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) status of the study population comprised Grade 1 (n = 10), Grade 2 (n = 18), and Grade 3 (n = 2). The majority of patients had oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (n = 26) involving the mandible, two had osteoradionecrosis, and two mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Four patients had complications specific to the reconstruction, and flap loss occurred in one (96.7% success rate). Metalwork infection occurred in three, including one plate extrusion and one plate fracture. The median length of stay was 10 days, and mean (range) duration of follow up 23.3 (1-96) months. This technique is an alternative reconstructive option for the non-tooth-bearing mandible. Reconstructing a posterolateral segmental mandibulectomy defect with a bridging MRP and ALT free flap offers a robust reconstructive alternative with a favourable complication profile.