Surgical techniques and results of lateral thoracic cutaneous, myocutaneous, and conjoint flaps for head and neck reconstruction

BACKGROUND: This paper aims at presentation of our surgical techniques and results of the lateral thoracic (LT) flaps for head and neck reconstructions. METHOD: There were seven LT cutaneous, seven LT myocutaneous, and two LT conjoint myocutaneous flaps for reconstruction of head and neck mucosal or cutaneous defects. RESULTS: The largest flap size was 22 cm x 13 cm. All donor sites were closed primarily. The highest point of reconstruction was in the nasopharynx internally and zygoma externally. All flaps survived without major complication. CONCLUSIONS: The LT flap has the versatility of cutaneous, myocutaneous, and conjoint flaps with pectoralis major or latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps to reconstruct large surgical defects. It has a large, reliable surface area, a long pedicle to reach nasopharynx and zygoma, and has less bulky muscle to facilitate tubular reconstruction of circumferential pharyngeal defect, one-stage operation, esthetic hidden donor site scar in axillary region, and minimal donor site morbidity. It is an additional reliable pedicle flap in our armamentarium for reconstruction of both cutaneous and mucosal defects in the head and neck region.     

Experience with the modified pectoralis major myocutaneous flap.

Results of 75 reconstructions with a modified pectoralis major myocutaneous flap are described in patients with advanced (stages III and IV) head and neck tumors between 1982 and 1986. The course of the supplying thoracoacromial artery was determined with angiographic studies and was found to follow the middle clavicular line in most cases. The pectoralis major muscle was mobilized up to its acromial attachment, which made the bridging of considerable distances possible between the site of the removed tumor and the donor site. The bulk of the pedicle was reduced at the same time without endangering the safety of the blood supply of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. The flaps were viable in the 70 evaluable patients. Partial necroses were observed in three cases. Postoperative fistulas were encountered in 13 patients (surgical closure was necessary in three). Reconstruction with the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is a safe and versatile procedure, yielding good clinical and functional results in patients with advanced head and neck tumors.     

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。     

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.     

Reconstruction of the laryngopharynx and cervical esophagus

The historical evolution of reconstruction of the cervical esophagus and laryngopharynx over the past 100 years is documented. The impact of these technical achievements is contrasted to the failure to improve the 5-year survival rate of 24%. While the clinician awaits new protocols of treatment to improve survival statistics, the thrust of the surgical oncologist is to develop a reliable method of reconstruction which meets specific minimal criteria. The following objectives should be achieved: Reconstruction should not limit the effectiveness of the ablative technique. Short hospitalization and one stage techniques are superior. Technique mortality and morbidity must be low. A 10-year institutional study using the Montgomery 2-stage technique is presented. In contrast, comparative literature data analysis of all methods of laryngopharyngocervical reconstruction indicates that single stage techniques offer a greater advantage. This study suggests that visceroplasty (stomach), free jejunal transfer, and single stage reconstruction, using the pectoralis myocutaneous flap, approach the previously established criteria more effectively than others. A new technique (1-stage), using partial tubulation of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, is recommended for regional reconstruction of the cervical esophagus and pharynx. In order to decrease the pressure and torsion on the vascular pedicle of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and increase its predicted length, partial resection of the ipsilateral clavicle is proposed.     

Pulmonary atelectasis after reconstruction with pectoralis major flaps

Forty-four patients were reviewed to determine the incidence of atelectasis following pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction of head and neck defects. Patients underwent tumor resection with subsequent pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction (flap group, n = 24) or another major head and neck procedure (control group, n = 20). Chest roentgenograms taken on the first postoperative day were scored for atelectasis by preestablished criteria. Sixty-five percent of control and 70% of flap patients demonstrated postoperative atelectasis roentgenographically. The flap patients with skin paddles larger than 40 cm2 had a 60% incidence of major atelectasis compared with 5% in control patients. The skin island area was strongly correlated with the atelectasis score in the flap group. These results suggest that atelectasis is common following pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction of head and neck defects. As well, decreased chest wall compliance after primary closure of large donor defects may contribute to the atelectasis observed.     

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.     

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.     

The rhombotrapezius myocutaneous and osteomyocutaneous flaps

As more radical surgery is being performed for head and neck cancer, an increasing variety of flaps for reconstruction have been developed. The more common myocutaneous flaps for large defects are the pectoralis major, trapezius, and latissimus dorsi flaps. The lower trapezius flap, which is used for reconstruction of large lateral facial defects, is a relatively thin flap. The rhombotrapezius flap described in this article provides bulk for augmentation of facial defects. The flap, which includes the trapezius and rhomboid muscles, also offers a longer pedicle with a greater arc of rotation. This flap may include the medial border of the scapula when bone is necessary. The addition of the rhomboid muscles incorporates the dorsal scapular artery, which gives an additional blood supply to the flap. We believe that the rhombotrapezius, myocutaneous, and osteomyocutaneous flaps have a significant advantage over previously described flaps in the treatment of defects that need greater bulk and length for adequate reconstruction.     

Safe reconstruction of a large cervico-mediastinal tracheal defect with a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and free costal cartilage grafts

A large cervico-mediastinal tracheal defect in a 72-year-old man as a result of surgery for thyroid carcinoma with tracheal invasion and mediastinal lymph node metastasis was reconstructed using a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and free costal cartilage grafts. The tracheal defect (55 mm x 30 mm) was located at the thoracic inlet adjacent to the major mediastinal vessels. Our reconstructive procedure was a two-staged surgery. In the first stage, a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was transferred to the neck to provide a well-vascularized recipient bed for free costal cartilage grafts and to cover large vessels. Two pieces of free costal cartilage were grafted on the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, one for the lateral wall reconstruction and the other prefabricated for the anterior wall of the trachea. In the second stage, the re-vascularized cartilage graft for the anterior wall of the trachea with overlying skin was rotated onto the trough of the remaining trachea and the closure of the tracheal defect was completed. We conclude that free cartilage grafts for the reconstruction of a large cervico-mediastinal tracheal defect can be safely used when they are combined with well-vascularized pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps.     

Treatment of recurrent head and neck carcinoma involving the carotid artery: carotid reconstruction with ePTFE graft

The aim of our study is to investigate the feasibility of reconstructing the carotid artery using expanded polytetraflouroethylene (ePTFE) in patients with recurrent head and neck carcinoma involving the carotid artery. Ten patients, who had recurrent head and neck carcinoma involving the carotid artery, received carotid artery resection and reconstruction with ePTFE, tissue defects were repaired by pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Results show that eight patients did not present any vascular and neurologic complications. One patient presented slight hemiparesis, another patient developed wound infection and pharyngocutaneous fistula. The mean follow-up period was 33.1 ± 16.0 months. The 2-year survival rate was 50% (5/10), and there was one patient who survived for 60 months without locoreginal recurrence or distant metastasis. En bloc resection of tumor and involved carotid-associated ePTFE reconstruction provide effective improvement in the locoregional control of the recurrent head and neck carcinoma. The pedicle pectoralis major myocutaneous flap can provide not only wound bed with affluent blood supply for the vascular grafts, but also reparation of skin or the tissue defects of oropharynx and hypopharynx.     

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Use in surgery of the lower neck and superior mediastinum

Surgery of the lower neck and superior mediastinum is most frequently performed for parastomal recurrence of laryngeal carcinoma. It has been associated with a high incidence of complications, often leading to fatal innominate artery rupture. The use of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap has permitted wide en bloc resections of the superior mediastinum in ten patients without a major complication. Several technical innovations add versatility to the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, including tailor fitting each skin paddle and incorporating the pectoralis minor into the muscular pedicle. Superior mediastinal resection should be performed in conjunction with laryngectomy and cervical lymph node dissection in patients who are at high risk for parastomal recurrence. We also recommend that patients with parastomal recurrence undergo this procedure for salvage.     

Reconstruction of the hypopharynx with U-shaped pectoralis major myocutaneous flap after total pharyngo-laryngectomy

Resection of the whole circumference of the pharynx and esophagus is usually reconstructed with gastric pull-up, jejunum free graft or free forearm flap. The aim of this study was to assess the use of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for closure of total pharyngeal defect. In 11 patients with hypopharynx and larynx cancer, total pharyngo-laryngectomy and excision of the cervical part of the esophagus and neck dissections were performed; the defects were closed with pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps. The skin island was sutured to prevertebral muscles, forming a letter U shape. Good healing was obtained in six patients, and five patients developed fistula that closed spontaneously within 3–4 weeks. The use of U-shaped pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, suturing it to prevertebral muscles, gives good functional results, and it is a simple and time-saving second choice method of reconstruction of the pharynx after total pharyngo-laryngectomy.     

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.     

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.     

头颈部岛状肌皮瓣和皮瓣的改良设计及临床应用

目的　探讨制作单一血管为蒂的头颈部局部带蒂肌皮瓣或皮瓣的安全性。方法　解剖学观察20例胸肩峰动脉分支,观察最远入肌点走行特征。通过术前超声观察和术中透视法观察定位最远入肌点,在最远入肌点上方1～2 cm断离肌肉,形成单纯动静脉血管为蒂的胸大肌岛状肌肌皮瓣。利用同样的技术方法,设计岛状的胸锁乳突肌、下位斜方肌的岛状肌皮瓣。结果　解剖学观察胸肩峰动脉分支分为单支型12.5%（5/40）,双支型67.5%（27/40）,多支型20%（8/40）。术前超声定位胸大肌皮瓣的最远入肌点成功率为29.1%（14/48）,DSA成功显影乳内动脉穿支66.7%（12/18）,共完成胸大肌岛状肌皮瓣48例,乳内动脉岛状皮瓣12例,颏瓣18例,下位斜方肌岛状肌皮瓣4例,胸锁乳突肌岛状肌皮瓣4例,颈横血管岛状皮瓣3例,胸肩峰动脉穿支的岛状皮瓣3例。失败2例,1例为胸大肌肌皮瓣的岛状设计中电刀误伤胸肩峰动脉胸肌支;1例为颈横血管浅支,术中修复扁桃体癌咽侧壁缺损。3例胸大肌部分坏死,清理完坏死组织,换药后痊愈。结论　在头颈部设计单一血管为蒂的岛状肌皮瓣（皮瓣）的改良设计安全可行,在受区皮瓣容易塑形固定,供区不仅外形美观且功能保全。     

The pectoralis major flap.

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMC) is a major flap for reconstruction of large head and neck defects. Its principle advantages are its dependability and ability to cover large defects. It is, however, a bulky flap, preventing its use for delicate reconstruction. The PMC flap is justifiably a popular flap that will continue to command an important place in the head and neck surgeon's reconstructive armamentarium.     

The subclavicular versus the supraclavicular route for pectoralis major myocutaneous flap: a cadaveric anatomic study

The aim of this paper was to determine if the subclavicular route of rotation improved the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap’s ability to reach head and neck sites in comparison to the traditional supraclavicular rotation. We dissected 50 flaps in 25 fresh adult male cadavers. The length of the pedicle and the flap’s ability to reach five anatomical head and neck sites (laryngeal prominence of thyroid cartilage, mentum, angle of the mandible, external auditory canal, and orbit) were tested by supraclavicular and subclavicular rotation. Although the average length of the flap’s pedicle was higher when the subclavicular rotation was employed, there was no statistical difference between the two techniques concerning the flap’s ability to reach the studied sites. Our results suggest that the subclavicular route apparently adds little to the reconstruction of head and neck defects using the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. We believe that the indication of this technique should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis before it is recommended to keep from unnecessarily increasing the potential morbidity of the reparative procedure.     

Free radial forearm flap versus pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction of oral and oropharyngeal defects: a cost analysis

Objectives: The free radial forearm flap has replaced the pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and it has become the ‘workhorse flap’ used by many head and neck reconstructive surgeons for soft tissue reconstructions. Cost implications of radial forearm flap reconstruction within the context of the overall health care in a particular system need to be investigated particularly before it is labelled as ‘costly only’. Design and Setting: Forty patients who underwent immediate free radial forearm flap reconstruction for oral or oropharyngeal soft tissue defects were matched with patients who underwent pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction for similar defects. The 2 years of which the overall management costs according to the hospital perspective were calculated were divided into four periods: operative period, the postoperative phase, follow‐up during first year and follow‐up during second year after discharge. Results: The total costs within the first 2 years were comparable at ∼50 000 euros. The lower costs of hospital admission (24 days versus 28 days; P = 0.005) in the postoperative phase outweighed the higher costs of the surgical procedure (692 min versus 462 min; P < 0.005) in radial forearm flap patients when compared with pectoralis major flap patients. Conclusions: Oral and oropharyngeal reconstruction with radial forearm flap is not more costly than pectoralis major flap reconstruction. Given the better functional outcome and the present cost analysis, reconstruction of oral and oropharyngeal defects is preferably performed using free tissue transfer.     

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。