Clinical comparison of superior thyroid artery perforator flap and sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap for intraoral reconstruction

The aim was to evaluate the techniques and outcomes of superior thyroid artery perforator flaps (STAPF) for intraoral reconstruction and to compare them with those of the sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap (SCMMF). The cases of 43 patients who underwent reconstruction with either a SCMMF or STAPF for the repair of a medium-sized intraoral defect, between January 2013 and December 2020, were reviewed retrospectively. Although both flaps are based on the superior thyroid artery, their specific harvesting techniques largely differ. All SCMMF (n = 23) were superiorly-based rotational flaps with myocutaneous designs. The STAPF cases (n = 20) included 18 septocutaneous flaps and two chimeric flaps. The flap size was larger in the STAPF group (P = 0.008), while incomplete level IIB dissection (oncological safety) was more frequent in the SCMMF group (P = 0.002). The flap necrosis rate was lower in the STAPF group (STAPF 15% vs SCMMF 34.8%, though this was not statistically significant). Cox multivariate analysis showed that the postoperative flap outcome (total flap necrosis vs flap survival; hazard ratio 27, 95% confidence interval 2.149–336.05; P = 0.001) and complications (excluding fistula) (hazard ratio 14, 95% confidence interval 1.314–142.767; P = 0.029) were associated with overall patient survival. Both speech (P < 0.001) and neck mobility (P < 0.001) functions were superior with STAPF reconstruction. Compared with the traditional SCMMF, the STAPF was found to have a lower necrosis rate with uncompromised oncological safety during harvesting. The STAPF is a good alternative for the repair of medium-sized head and neck defects.     

Evaluation of alloplastic mandibular reconstruction combined with a radial forearm flap compared with a vastus lateralis myocutaneous flap as the first approach to two-stage rehabilitation in advanced oral cancer

After continuity resection of the mandible, reconstruction of continuity with a reconstruction plate and soft tissue can be an alternative to immediate osseous reconstruction in patients with advanced oral cancer. We evaluated exposure of the plate in such reconstructions by comparing the results of a radial forearm flap (RFF) with a vastus lateralis myocutaneous flap (VLMF). We also analysed the resection margins and the incidence of secondary osseous reconstructions after one year free from relapse. We retrospectively examined all 48 mandibular reconstructions in which a reconstruction plate and RFF or VLMF had been used between 2007 and 2016. Exposure rates of plates were assessed and local (size and site of resection) and systemic risk factors (age, sex, treatment with radiation, and smoking) evaluated. Reconstruction plates, together with a RFF, were significantly more likely to be exposed than those with a VLMF (p = 0.01). There was significantly more exposure in the RFF group in mandibular defects larger than 6 cm, in contrast to the VLMF group (p = 0.002). Younger age (p < 0.001), lower body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.05) and smoking (p = 0.011) led to more exposure. In seven cases a second operation was necessary due to macroscopically invaded or close margins. Thirty-one patients had no bony reconstruction because of local recurrence, distant metastases, inadequate resection margins, poor general condition, or a second (different) tumour. Exposure of the plate after mandibular reconstruction happens less often with the VLM flap than with the RFF. The two-step approach can be an option in the treatment of advanced oral cancer.     

Second salvage surgery with extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap reconstruction for advanced re-recurrent oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of second salvage surgery with extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap (TIMF) reconstruction for patients with re-recurrent oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The subjects were 23 patients with advanced re-recurrent oral and oropharyngeal SCC undergoing second salvage surgery and reconstruction with a TIMF. A TIMF with a skin paddle measuring 6 cm × 7 cm to 10 cm × 22 cm was used to reconstruct the major defects. Three patients experienced minor complications: minor flap failure (n = 1), wound dehiscence at the donor site (n = 1), and an orocutaneous fistula (n = 1). The patients were followed for 3–72 months. Fifteen patients were alive with no evidence of disease, two were alive with disease, and six died of local recurrence or distant metastases. Second salvage surgery remains an effective treatment modality for select patients with advanced re-recurrent oral and oropharyngeal SCCs, and the extended vertical lower TIMF is a large, simple, and reliable flap for reconstructing the major defect following second salvage surgery.     

游离胫后动脉皮瓣修复80例口腔颌面部软组织缺损效果评价

目的: 探讨胫后动脉皮瓣游离移植修复口腔颌面部软组织缺损的临床设计及效果。方法: 2017年11月—2018年8月,应用胫后动脉皮瓣修复中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院收治的80例口腔颌面部肿瘤术后缺损。术前应用计算机体层血管成像（CTA）对双侧下肢血管进行评估,明确胫后动、静脉走向及穿支数量,完成穿支体表定位。术中根据受区部位、缺损大小、形态以设计、制备皮瓣,并转移至受区进行修复。对皮瓣大小、血管蒂长度、血管直径、穿支数量、穿支长度、存活率、外形、供区和受区术后并发症等进行总结分析。结果: 80例患者中,男56例,女24例;年龄24~90（58.17±1.43）岁;皮瓣大小5 cm×6 cm~7 cm×13 cm,皮瓣厚度0.30~1.00(0.53±0.2) cm,血管蒂长度8~14(10.03±1.4) cm;供区动脉直径1.50~3.00(2.36±0.4) mm,供区静脉直径1.50~4.0(2.99±0.6) mm;穿支数量1~5(2.61±0.9)支（集中于小腿内侧中下1/3）,穿支长度0.3~6(1.70±0.7) cm。皮瓣存活率为100%,伤口愈合良好。覆盖于小腿供区缺损处的皮片2例（2.5%）完全坏死,7例（8.7%）部分坏死,但经过换药处理后恢复满意。患者对外形及功能恢复满意。结论: 应用胫后动脉皮瓣修复口腔颌面部缺损是一种较好的修复方式。胫后动脉皮瓣可携带近心端筋膜及皮下脂肪组织,用以丰满舌体形态、充填口底缺损、保护血管蒂。     

Comparison between the radial forearm and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator free flaps for oral soft tissue reconstruction

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is widely used for oral reconstruction. The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is an increasingly utilized alternative. The cases of 165 patients who received either an RFFF or SCIP flap for oral reconstruction at Chris O′Brien Lifehouse, Sydney were reviewed. The aim was to report on patient, pathology, treatment, and outcome variables and to compare these between the two flap groups. A RFFF was used in 126 patients and a SCIP flap in 39 patients. SCIP flap patients were younger (P < 0.001) and had shorter operative times (P < 0.001), shorter anaesthetic times (P < 0.001), and more frequent recipient site dehiscence (P = 0.005) when compared to RFFF patients. The SCIP flap was significantly less frequently used for composite resections including bone when compared to the RFFF (P < 0.001). The primary site distribution was more even for RFFF patients (P < 0.001). There were no SCIP flap failures; three RFFF failures occurred. SCIP flaps performed comparably in terms of operative and clinical outcomes. Most SCIP flaps were utilized in younger patients with partial glossectomy defects.     

Novel modification of infrahyoid myocutaneous flap for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects

This study was intended to describe the technique used and the results obtained with the modification of the infrahyoid flap (IHF) for the reconstruction of oral tongue defects following resection for advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Patients with oral tongue defects following ablation for T2 to T4a SCC had reconstructions using a modified infrahyoid flap. Demographic data, tumour characteristics, and the complications were evaluated for each patient. We observed no complications regarding the healing process of the donor site or success of the flap in 49 (of 55) patients. None of the flaps had massive oedema or venous congestion in the postoperative period. Six patients experienced flap-related complications of which five had partial skin paddle necrosis, but eventually their flaps recovered and re-epithelialised without any further intervention. However, total flap necrosis was seen in one patient in whom a pectoralis major flap was used for the defect reconstruction following revision surgery. History of previous radiotherapy to the neck (p = 0.003), tumour stage (p = 0.017), and metastasis to cervical lymph nodes (p = 0.004) were associated with higher prevalence of partial or total flap necrosis. The modified infrahyoid flap is a reliable, quick, and simple procedure with a reasonable cost that makes it a valuable option for the reconstruction of the oropharynx and oral cavity with minimal donor site morbidity and good outcomes. It seems the modified IHF is a valid surgical procedure that may be considered in selected patients undergoing reconstruction of oncological oral tongue defects with fewer complications.     

Use of medial upper arm free flap in oral cavity reconstruction: a preliminary study

The medial upper arm has previously been proposed as a potential free flap donor site, but the clinical application of such flaps in head and neck reconstruction has not been popular. The preliminary results of the clinical application of medial upper arm free flaps in oral cavity reconstruction are reported here. Five patients with oral cancer underwent surgical resection and neck dissection, with simultaneous reconstruction using a medial upper arm free flap. Functional outcomes were investigated using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire. Sensory-motor functions of the upper arm donor site were recorded before and after surgery. Four flaps were successfully transferred. One flap was abandoned during surgery because of a lack of perforators, and a forearm flap was used instead. All patients survived without loco-regional recurrence or distant metastasis. Functional outcomes, especially swallowing and speech, were satisfactory. The donor site scar was well hidden, with no functional impairment. This initial experience shows that the medial upper arm free flap represents an alternative perforator flap for oral cavity microsurgical reconstruction. The well-hidden scar and better texture match compared with other flaps make it suitable for oral cavity reconstruction.     

Are hand biomechanics affected following radial forearm flap harvest? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Donor site morbidity following radial forearm flap (RFF) harvest remains a controversial issue. The aim of this meta-analysis was to answer the question “Are the range of wrist movements (range of motion, ROM) and hand strength affected after RFF harvesting?” The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were systematically searched (to December 2019). Self-controlled studies evaluating hand biomechanics after RFF harvest were included. Weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the random-effects model. The outcome variables were ROM, forearm movements, grip, and pinch strengths. Thirteen studies involving a total of 335 patients were included. With the exception of grip strength and supination, which showed statistically significant reductions of about 2.40 kg and 2.86° (P < 0.05), all other ROM, forearm movements, and pinch strengths showed an insignificant difference when the operated hand was compared to the non-operated hand (P > 0.05). Regression analysis showed that the method of donor site closure and size of the donor site defect had an insignificant impact on hand biomechanics. This study confirms the lack of discernible biomechanical morbidity after RFF transfer. The minimal reduction in hand biomechanics after RFF is considered to be clinically negligible.     

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.     

Indications and outcomes for 100 patients managed with a pectoralis major flap within a UK maxillofacial unit

There are few studies reporting the role of the pedicled pectoralis major (PPM) flap in modern maxillofacial practice. The outcomes of 100 patients (102 flaps) managed between 1996 and 2012 in a UK maxillofacial unit that preferentially practices free tissue reconstruction are reported. The majority (88.2%) of PPM flaps were for oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), stage IV (75.6%) disease, and there was substantial co-morbidity (47.0% American Society of Anesthesiologists 3 or 4). The PPM flap was the preferred reconstruction on 80.4% of occasions; 19.6% followed free flap failure. Over half of the patients (57%) had previously undergone major surgery and/or chemoradiotherapy. Ischaemic heart disease (P = 0.028), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.040), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection (P = 0.013) were independently associated with flap loss (any degree). Free flap failure was independently associated with total (2.0%) and major (6.9%) partial flap loss (P = 0.044). Cancer-specific 5-year survival for stage IV primary SCC and salvage surgery improved in the second half (2005–2012) of the study period (22.2% vs. 79.8%, P = 0.002, and 0% vs. 55.7%, P = 0.064, respectively). There were also declines in recurrent disease (P = 0.008), MRSA (P < 0.001), and duration of admission (P = 0.014). The PPM flap retains a valuable role in the management of advanced disease combined with substantial co-morbidity, and following free flap failure.     

Posterolateral skull base reconstruction using the supraclavicular artery island flap

The supraclavicular artery island (SAI) flap is a viable fasciocutaneous option for the reconstruction of head and neck defects. Although authors have reported success using SAI flaps for various reconstructive indications, concerns of a tenuous blood supply and distal ischemia have previously limited its use in the posterolateral skull base. This case series reports the outcomes of 5 consecutive patients receiving SAI flaps for posterolateral skull base reconstruction. All flaps were harvested in less than 1 hour with primary closure of all donor sites. A single patient developed superficial necrosis of the distal flap, which was repaired with a full-thickness skin graft. There were no other complications, and no donor site morbidity was observed. The SAI flap is an excellent option for the reconstruction of posterolateral skull base defects. The close color match, easy harvest within 1 hour, lack of microsurgical anastomosis, and absence of donor site morbidity support its continued utilization.     

The plastysma myocutaneous flap

Reconstructing extirpative defects of the oral cavity or face frequently presents a significant challenge to the surgeon. This article discusses two versions of the platysma myocutaneous flap that have proved to be reliable and versatile methods for reconstructing defects of the oral cavity, lower face, and ear. The advantages of these regional axial pattern flaps include good color match, appropriate thickness, minimal donor site morbidity, easy harvesting, and an adjacent donor site in the same operative field. A thorough understanding of the pertinent anatomy, particularly with respect to the location where the vascular supply enters the flap pedicle, is critical to the success of this flap.     

Chimeric posterior tibial artery flap: clinical application in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction

The objective was to describe the utility of the chimeric posterior tibial artery flap (CPTAF) in the restoration of compound defects in the oral and maxillofacial region. Patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction using a CPTAF between February 2018 and February 2019 were included. Special consideration was given to the distribution of septocutaneous perforators (SPs), indications, flap survival, and complications. Nine patients were included. All flaps survived. One patient developed a surgical site infection, which was managed conservatively. The CPTAF was raised as a bipaddle skin flap without muscle (n = 1), with the gastrocnemius muscle (n = 6), or with the soleus muscle (n = 2). The number of SPs ranged from three to five (mean 4 ± 0.8). The SPs were mostly located between 4 cm and 20 cm proximal to the medial malleolus (mean 9.5 ± 3.8 cm). The skin paddle was used to reconstruct skin or mucosal defects, whereas the muscle part was used to fill the dead space (n = 7) or to support the orbital contents (n = 1). The donor site healed with no associated functional complications. The CPTAF is a good option for the restoration of composite tissue defects in the head and neck region. It offers flexibility during flap inset and provides the appropriate bulk to repair defects in multiple planes.     

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.     

前臂皮瓣与股前外侧皮瓣修复口腔颌面部缺损的效果比较

目的 比较分析前臂皮瓣和股前外侧皮瓣修复重建口腔颌面部肿瘤术后缺损的临床效果。方法 收集 54例行口腔颌面部恶性肿瘤根除术并接受游离皮瓣修复术的患者资料,其中33例患者采用前臂皮瓣修复（A组）、21例采用股前外侧皮瓣修复（B组）。应用SPSS 19.0软件包分析2组患者的手术持续时间、皮瓣存活率、受区功能与外形恢复情况、供区恢复情况及患者满意度等。结果 A组手术时间为（41.6±8.9）min,B组为（47.2±10.2）min,差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）;A组皮瓣存活率（93.9%）高于B组（90.5%）,但差异无显著性（P>0.05）;受区功能与外形恢复情况2组基本相似;供区功能恢复B组优于A组,A组永久性功能障碍比率为24.2%,B组仅有暂时性功能障碍且比率为9.5%;A组供区色素沉着发生率显著高于B组（P<0.05）;B组的满意度显著优于A组（P<0.05）。结论 应用前臂皮瓣与股前外侧皮瓣修复,术后受区功能、外形恢复情况相似。前臂皮瓣成功率高,但需要植皮,且术后供区易形成永久性功能障碍;股前外侧皮瓣供区隐蔽,可以提供的组织量大,术后供区功能障碍很少,患者满意度高,但是手术难度大于前臂皮瓣,技术要求高。     

Closure of the radial forearm free flap donor site with split-thickness skin graft or amniotic membrane: A prospective randomized clinical study

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical, aesthetic, and functional outcomes between amniotic membrane (test group) and split-thickness skin grafts (control group) used for radial forearm free flap defect closure.The primary outcome measurement for both groups was assessment of the defect closure healing process. In addition, aesthetic (Vancouver Scar Scale) and functional outcomes (skin sensitivity, hand/wrist functionality, grip strength) were evaluated.Fifty eligible patients with radial forearm free flap donor site defects were randomly assigned to two groups receiving either amniotic membrane (test group; n = 25) or split-thickness skin graft (control group; n = 25) for defect covering. Forty-seven of the 50 patients (n = 47) were able to be followed up for 6 months and showed a significantly longer healing process (p < 0.001) with amniotic membrane (64.5 ± 38.4 days; n = 24) than with split-thickness skin grafts (29.2 ± 8.9 days; n = 23); however, there were no differences in the prevalence of healing defects/dehiscence and/or wound infections. Forty-two of the 47 patients (21 in each group) were able to be continually followed up for 12 months, and showed no differences in terms of clinical outcome as well as the subjective and objective aesthetic and functional results evaluated.With regard to the clinical, aesthetic, and functional outcomes evaluated for radial forearm free flap defects, coverage with amniotic membrane offers an excellent alternative treatment approach, avoiding secondary induced donor site morbidity.     

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.     

游离腓骨肌-皮-筋膜复合瓣同期修复40例放射性下颌骨坏死术后缺损效果评价

目的： 探讨游离腓骨肌-皮-筋膜复合瓣在修复下颌骨放射性骨坏死（osteoradionecrosis of the jaws,ORNJ）术后软、硬组织缺损的应用价值。方法： 选择2014年3月—2017年7月间,中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院口腔颌面外科40例下颌骨 ORNJ患者,所有病例原发肿瘤均为鼻咽癌,排除鼻咽癌复发。以游离腓骨肌-皮-筋膜复合瓣重建放射性下颌骨坏死手术切除后的骨缺损,以皮岛修复皮肤软组织缺损,以筋膜修复口内黏膜缺损并充填软组织缺损的空腔,记录腓骨截骨、组织瓣存活情况,供区、受区并发症,术后开口度和余留牙咬合情况,对颌面部外形和功能进行评价。结果： 随访3～6个月,游离腓骨肌-皮-筋膜复合瓣重建下颌骨缺损均获成功。下颌骨截骨长度5.5～16.0 cm,切取腓骨长度7.5～17.0 cm。无1例发生严重供区或受区并发症,所有病例外形恢复良好,开口度1.0～3.5 cm,余留牙咬合正常。结论： 游离腓骨肌-皮-筋膜复合瓣能很好地即刻重建放射性下颌骨坏死术后颌面部软、硬组织缺损,降低手术并发症,值得临床推广应用。     

上臂外侧皮瓣在口腔癌术后缺损修复中的初步应用

目的 探讨上臂外侧皮瓣（LAFF）在口腔软组织缺损修复重建中的应用价值。方法用上臂外侧皮瓣即刻修复口腔鳞癌根治术后的继发缺损10例。结果 除1例皮瓣坏死外，其余9例组织瓣全部成活，口腔组织形态和功能恢复满意。7例患者供区有麻木感，无其他并发症。结论 与前臂桡侧皮瓣相比，由于LAFF优点诸多，在口腔中小型软组织缺损的修复中，LAFF是一种可选择的优秀皮瓣。     

Comparison between the radial forearm and groin soft tissue free flaps for reconstruction in patients with oral cavity cancer: a quality of life analysis

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) and groin soft tissue free flap (GSFF) on the quality of life (QoL) of patients undergoing reconstructive surgery after resection for oral cancer. A retrospective analysis of 48 patients was performed. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaire, and 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire were used to evaluate the donor site scars and QoL of the patients. The postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the RFFF group than in the GSFF group (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the total VSS score (P = 0.011), VSS score for pigmentation (P < 0.001), and OHIP-14 scores for psychological discomfort (P = 0.026) and social disability (P = 0.044) were all significantly higher in the RFFF group than in the GSFF group, while the UW-QOL scores for appearance (P = 0.037) and mood (P = 0.036) were significantly lower in the RFFF group than in the GSFF group. Compared with the RFFF, the GSFF scar is more concealed, with better aesthetics at the donor site, and this flap can result in improved postoperative QoL for patients with oral cancer.