前臂游离全厚皮片修复前臂游离皮瓣供区缺损的临床观察

目的:观察同侧前臂局部全厚皮片修复前臂游离皮瓣切取后供区缺损的临床效果。方法:27例口腔鳞癌患者,所取前臂皮瓣最小为5cm×6cm,最大为6cm×9cm。前臂皮瓣取下后,按设计在前臂近心端切取三角形不含皮下组织的全厚皮片。关闭伤口时,从近心端向远心端进行,一直到术前设计时指定的一点,剩余三角形区域用切取的全厚皮片覆盖。结果:所有患者移植皮片成活良好,并且获得良好的外观。结论:本方法所植皮片的颜色与周围正常皮肤组织接近,不增加创伤,不增加并发症,不影响功能,具有一定的优势。     

Closure of radial forearm free flap donor site with local full-thickness skin graft.

A triangular shaped full-thickness skin graft harvested adjacent to the donor site of the radial forearm flap, as originally described by Liang et al, has successfully been used in seven consecutive patients for coverage of the donor site of the radial forearm free flap. In all patients this resulted in a robust coverage with no late wound breakdown and an aesthetic appearance far superior to split-thickness skin-graft coverage. We recommend this technique which is feasible in the majority of cases and reduces both donor site and graft site morbidity of the radial forearm flap.     

Negative pressure wound dressing of the radial forearm donor site

Donor site complications of the radial forearm are a significant cause of post-operative morbidity. 15 patients had radial forearm free tissue donor sites treated with split skin grafts and a negative pressure dressing. All grafts showed 100% take at 5 days. The advantages of this technique include rapid healing at an unfavourable graft recipient site, increased graft take and decreased donor site complications. This method is ideally suited for the management of large defects. The dressing can be quickly and easily applied and there have been no significant complications.     

Repair of the radial free flap donor site with full or partial thickness skin grafts. A prospective randomised controlled trial

The radial forearm free flap has become the mainstay in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects following ablative resection in the oral cavity. The method of repair of the associated forearm tissue defect has been the subject of considerable debate. The options range from direct closure, to local soft tissue flaps or skin graft repair. Larger defects usually require a skin graft and we have routinely used partial thickness skin. An audit of our complication rate led to the consideration of whether a full thickness repair would reduce the morbidity. We randomly allocated successive patients to receive full or partial thickness skin graft repair of the radial donor site in a consecutive series of 68 patients over an 18-month period. Sixty-four patients completed the initial assessment period of wound healing. Thirty seven patients completed a questionnaire at one year to subjectively assess the aesthetic appearance of the forearm wound and the skin graft donor site. They were also assessed for pain at both sites. The partial thickness donor site required significantly more re-dressings. There was no significant difference between the two groups in graft take or number of re-dressings at the recipient site. There was no significant difference in patient assessment of aesthetic appearance or pain in either the forearm recipient site or the skin graft donor site. Provided that an adequate graft is taken, full thickness and partial thickness skin grafts have the same short-term and long-term outcomes in the repair of the radial free flap donor site.     

Prospective study of the septocutaneous radial free flap and suprafascial donor site

This is a prospective study of 121 consecutive radial septocutaneous flaps harvested by one surgeon. There were 117 successful flaps (97%). The incidence of early return to theatre for potential problems with the flap or the neck wound was 12/121 (10%) and the flap salvage rate was 3/7 (43%). The incidence of three early wound healing complications at the suprafascial donor site were: loss of the skin graft (4%), tendon exposure (3%) and delayed healing (4%). A full-thickness skin graft, usually from the inner upper arm, was used to repair three-quarters of donor site defects. The median time to healing was significantly longer for partial thickness grafts (14 days compared with 10 days, p<0.001). The degree of contraction of the skin graft used to repair the radial defect was significantly less for full thickness than partial thickness grafts (median -21% compared with -33%, p=0.01). There was more relative contraction with larger grafts (p<0.001) and in older patients (p=0.01). The septocutaneous radial flap is reliable. The early morbidity at the suprafascial donor site is relatively low in comparison to that reported at the subfascial donor site.     

Vascularized free fibular flap for mandibular reconstruction: a report of 26 cases.

PURPOSE: Mandibular reconstruction represents a challenge to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon and has been revolutionized by the modern microvascular techniques. Rehabilitation using techniques such as reconstruction plates frequently produce a functional and cosmetic defect. The primary objective of the current study was to evaluate the usefulness of the osteomuscular free fibular flap for this purpose. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The results of 26 vascularized free fibula flaps with or without a skin paddle that were used for mandibular reconstruction is presented. The "double barrel" technique was used in 6 cases. The donor site was closed directly in 2 cases and with an abdominal full-thickness skin graft in 24 cases. RESULTS: All flaps except 1 were viable. There was partial necrosis of the skin island in 1 patient. The average length of the fibula graft was 10.96 cm, and the number of osteotomies ranged from 0 to 3. In the donor site, the most significant problem was unsatisfactory scarring related to the use of a skin graft. There were no long-term functional complications in the lower leg. Two patients have been secondarily rehabilitated with osseointegrated implants. CONCLUSION: The fibula flap provides a successful bone graft for mandibular restoration with an acceptably low complication rate. This method meets most of the requirements for oral and mandibular replacement.     

Suprafascial dissection of the radial forearm flap and donor site morbidity

A cutaneous free radial forearm flap was harvested from 25 patients using a suprafascial dissection technique. The donor site was managed with either a full or split thickness skin graft and a negative pressure wound dressing. The incidence of initial complete graft take was 96% at day 5 and 100% by 1 month. There was 100% early and complete graft take in the full thickness group but one area of partial loss in the split thickness group. This area of graft loss represented less than 0.5% of the total grafted area in this series. The mean time to wound healing was 14 days. There were no cases of tendon exposure or delayed healing. The suprafascial dissection creates a superior graft recipient bed. When combined with the negative pressure wound dressing technique it ensured early and complete graft take.     

Rapid healing of MRSA infection at the suprafascial radial donor site

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection at the radial suprafascial donor site resulted in significant loss of the skin graft, but no tendon exposure, in two patients. The complication was successfully managed with wound debridement, appropriate antibiotics, a negative-pressure wound dressing and early partial-thickness skin grafting. The suprafascial dissection creates a donor site that resists both skin graft loss and tendon exposure. It also allows early re-grafting with no loss of function in the event of skin graft loss from infection. These advantages have not been described previously.     

Repair of radial free flap donor site by full-thickness skin graft from inner arm

Sixty-two consecutive patients had 63 radial free flaps taken and the donor site repaired with either a full-thickness or split-skin graft. A full-thickness graft was harvested from the inner upper arm in 53 patients (85%). The donor site was assessed using a visual analogue scale, tactile sensitivity, and the Vancouver scar assessment score. All donor sites healed without complications except for two minor wound dehiscences. Both patients and surgeons rated the aesthetic outcome as good. The advantages included; single operation site; simple execution; thin hairless graft, good colour match and an inconspicuous scar causing minimal morbidity.     

Hebung des Radialislappens mit primärem Wundverschluß durch Präfabrikation von Spalthautfaszienlappen

A disadvantage of the radial forearm flap is the removal of skin from a functionally important and aesthetically exposed region. To minimize the donor site morbidity with this flap, we have thus far used a two-phase procedure for intraoral defect coverage in 15 patients: In a first step, a 0.5-mm split thickness skin graft is transplanted to the forearm fascia and settles there over a period of 2 weeks. In step two, the prefabricated fascialsplit thickness skin graft can be raised with complete preservation of the foream skin and microsurgically transferred like a conventional radial forearm flap. We have obtained the following results with this procedure: (1) All skin grafts took completely on the forearm fascia. (2) Prefabricated fascialsplit thickness skin flaps could be raised like conventional radial forearm flaps. (3) The very thin and moldable flaps were excellently suited for intraoral lining and showed complication-free healing. We conclude that tension-free, primary closure of the donor site can be achieved with minimal aesthetic and functional impairment.     

Aesthetic and functional results of harvesting radial forearm flap, especially with regard to hand function

There is controversy in the literature regarding donor site morbidity following radial forearm flap harvesting. The aim of this study was to verify possible functional and aesthetic impairments at the donor site. Thirty-five patients who underwent maxillofacial reconstruction using radial forearm flap were asked to give their subjective assessment of the aesthetic outcome at the donor site and of postoperative hand function. They were also examined for trophic status; cold intolerance and tactile sensitivity of split-thickness skin graft, palm and finger pads; grip strength and finger-to-thumb pinch strength; range of movement for the wrist and finger joints; as well as functional hand testing. Slight impairments regarding hand strength and mobility were observed. However, due to their small extent they were of no clinical relevance, as shown by 85.7% of our patients displaying optimal functional hand testing values (80-100%), and 88.6% giving a positive subjective assessment (80-100%) of postoperative vs preoperative hand function. The results show that donor site morbidity following radial forearm flap harvesting is low.     

Review of the radial free flap: is it still evolving,or is it facing extinction? Part one: soft-tissue radial flap

The versatile fasciocutaneous radial flap is robust and reliable, straightforward to harvest, and often produces a satisfactory reconstruction with relatively little long-term morbidity at the donor site. Many surgeons prefer to use a limited number of trusted flaps, and these qualities will ensure that in the intermediate future most surgical trainees will continue to be shown the fasciocutaneous radial flap as both the basic training flap and the established option for reconstruction. Evidence from observational clinical studies and one randomised clinical trial indicates that there is increasing support for the use of the evolutionary technique of suprafascial dissection to minimise morbidity at the donor site. The suprafascial donor site may be repaired with either a meshed or unmeshed partial-thickness skin graft, or a fenestrated full-thickness skin graft, with good rates of successful healing. The application of a negative pressure dressing to the wound seems to facilitate the healing of all types of skin graft. The subfascial donor site, however, remains more prone to complications. It may be helpful to position the donor site of the flap more proximally, but this has not been proven. These refinements probably produce the best outcomes that can currently be achieved, given the inherent flaws of the radial donor site.     

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.     

对偶三角瓣联合原位小面积全厚皮片修复前臂游离皮瓣供区缺损

目的: 介绍一种对偶三角瓣联合原位小面积全厚皮片修复前臂游离皮瓣供区缺损的方法。方法: 对25例口腔鳞癌患者行前臂游离皮瓣修复肿瘤切除术后缺损,在制备前臂游离皮瓣的同时,进行供区对偶三角瓣及邻近小面积全厚皮片的设计和制取,原位修复供区缺损。结果: 25例前臂供区缺损均成功采用供区对偶三角瓣联合原位小面积全厚皮片修复。用于关闭前臂供区缺损的邻近全厚皮片均存活,创口愈合良好,无迟发性创面破裂,未发生供区严重并发症。取瓣侧手臂肘腕关节运动正常,掌部血运正常,前臂皮瓣供区缺损修复区域与周围组织皮肤色泽接近,无凹陷畸形,无挛缩畸形。与腹部取皮组相比,前臂邻近皮片修复组在术后肿胀和腕关节运动没有明显差异的情况下,瘢痕感染几率减少,肌腱外露风险降低,大大提高了前臂术区的美观性。结论: 改良供区对偶三角瓣联合邻近全厚皮片修复技术减少了术中和术后恢复时间,避免第三术区的创伤,值得在临床上应用。     

Anterolateral thigh flaps for reconstruction of head and neck defects.

PURPOSE: This article presents our clinical experience with head and neck reconstruction using a free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and describes the morbidity of the donor site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2001 to October 2003, 20 free ALT flaps were transferred for reconstructing soft tissue defects of the head and neck. The age and gender of the patients, the site of the primary tumor, tumor stage, previous operative condition, types of associated operation, results of flap transfer, donor site morbidity, and clinical course were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 20 cases, 19 free flaps were successfully performed. The success rate was 95%. The size of the ALT flaps ranged from 6 to 10 cm in width and 9 to 20 cm in length (54 to 200 cm2 in area). Sixteen of the 20 donor sites were closed primarily, whereas 4 cases required a split-thickness skin graft to cover the donor site. Complications and morbidity of the donor site were minimal. CONCLUSION: The ALT flap has some advantages over other free flaps, including a long pedicle with a suitable diameter for anastomoses, the availability of different tissues with large amounts of skin, the ease of closing the donor site, and the ability for 2 teams to simultaneously perform the operation.     

Complications of free radial forearm flap transfers for head and neck reconstruction

Free tissue transfer using microvascular anastomosis has been established as an accepted maxillofacial reconstructive procedure. The free radial forearm flap (FRFF) has become a workhorse flap as a means of reconstructing surgical defects in the head and neck region. Since 1992, we have carried out 38 FRFF transfers in 37 patients for reconstruction after head and neck cancer ablative surgery. We present our clinical experience with head and neck reconstruction using the FRFF and the morbidity of the donor sites. Of the 38 FRFFs, 35 FRFFs were performed successfully. The survival rate of FRFF was 92%. Donor site complications included partial loss of skin graft in 4 donor sites (11%), abnormal sensations in 10 (26%), poor appearance in 3 (8%), and reduced grip strength in 4 (11%). Therefore, we believe that, because of the reliability, functional characteristics, and low donor site morbidity, the FRFF is a useful and versatile flap for reconstruction of head and neck defects.     

50例口腔颌面部游离前臂皮瓣移植的临床分析

目的：对50例口腔颌面部游离前臂皮瓣移植作回顾性分析。方法：1999年5月26日－2000年8月3日期间完成的连续50例游离前臂皮瓣移植，分析所采用组织瓣的设计，受区血管，血管吻合方式和技术，皮瓣成活情况及术后并发症的发生情况，并分析有可能影响皮瓣成活的各种因素。结果：50例前臂皮瓣全部成活，成功率100％，无一例发生全部或部分坏死，皮瓣术后血栓的发生率为6％，均为静脉血栓，抢救成功率为100％；受区和供区总的并发症发生率为28％，但大多数并发症均不严重，没有造成明显的后果，吸烟，饮酒，放疗和年龄（高龄和儿童）等均非影响游离组织瓣移植成功的重要因素。结论：游离前壁皮瓣在口腔颌面部缺损的修复中具有很大的灵活性，其制备简便，安全可靠，明显优于传统的带蒂组织移植，值得推广和应用。     

Reconstruction of defects in the head and neck with free flaps: 20 years experience

Between March 1982 and December 2002 we did a total of 534 reconstructions with free flaps from various donor sites for 529 patients. The jejunum was the donor site in 181 reconstructions (34%), followed by the radial forearm flap in 173 reconstructions (32%); 86% of the reconstructions were immediately after excisions. Surgical re-exploration was necessary in 37 patients (7%); the failure rate from necrosis of the flap was 5%. Factors associated with complications were American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class and age.     

前臂皮瓣与胸大肌皮瓣在口腔癌手术缺损修复中的应用

目的:观察前臂皮瓣和胸大肌皮瓣修复口腔癌手术缺损的治疗效果。方法:30例口腔癌患者在常规联合根治术后,随机分为A、B组,每组15例。A组采用前臂桡侧皮瓣游离移植同期修复口腔癌术后口腔颌面部缺损,B组采用胸大肌皮瓣同期修复口腔癌术后口腔颌面部组织缺损;对比两组的修复效果。结果:A组13例(86.67%)前臂皮瓣顺利成活,B组皮瓣成活率100%。A组中有6例患者虎口感觉消失、4例患者供区颜色极深或极浅;B组中有4例女性患者术后两侧乳房不对称。结论:前臂皮瓣和胸大肌皮瓣修复口腔癌手术缺损均具有较高的成功率,两种皮瓣均适用于口腔癌手术缺损修复。     

Suction blister skin grafting – a modern application

The suction blistering technique produces an ultra-thin skin graft with no morbidity at the donor site. Negative pressure using wall suction in outpatients is used to generate a graft that can be used for reconstruction, and it avoids the need for invasive procedures in patients with coexisting conditions. The harvested tissue has a low metabolic demand and survival is excellent. We used it in a patient when previous reconstructions after excision of skin cancer had failed. Graft survival was more than 95% by surface area and there was no donor site morbidity. We have found it particularly useful for grafting over Integra^® dermal regeneration template (Integra LifeSciences Corporation, NJ, USA) to produce healing at difficult sites. Patients tolerate the procedure well and the donor site heals quickly. It is useful where recipient vascularity is poor or where coexisting conditions prevent complex procedures.