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.     

Parietal occipital nape of neck flap. A myocutaneous flap for selected head and neck reconstruction

Reconstruction in head and neck surgery has been greatly advanced with the use of the pectoralis major and trapezius myocutaneous flaps. Most surgical defects can be repaired with one of these flaps alone, or in conjunction with cutaneous flaps. Specific problems, however, occur that cannot be successfully reconstructed by these standard flaps. The traditional scalp flaps are cutaneous flaps. Use of these flaps is limited because of their shortened arc of rotation and accompanying forehead deformity. Three patients underwent reconstruction with a parietal occipital nape of neck myocutaneous flap. Its advantages include the following: large segments of hairless skin from the contralateral side of the neck can be used, an extensive arc of rotation and distance can be achieved with excellent vascularity in the overlying skin, and cosmetic results are superior. Angiographic studies were used to demonstrate the vascular pattern and supply to this flap. Cadaver dissections were performed to determine the pattern of distribution of the perforating vessels to the skin from underlying muscle.     

Platysma myocutaneous flap for repair of hypopharyngeal strictures

Hypopharyngeal strictures, either isolated or in conjunction with laryngeal and esophageal strictures, can occur following lye ingestion. Extensive stricture formation requires reconstruction to create a functional funnel system that empties below the cricoid. Esophageal replacement is not a substitute for adequate hypopharyngeal reconstruction. The pectoralis major muscle is often inadequate, because it yields too much bulk and often leads to continued aspiration. The platysma myocutaneous flap for hypopharyngeal reconstruction has not been previously reported. The inferiorly based platysma myocutaneous flap was used in two of our patients with lye burns, and bilateral superiorly based flaps were used in one. All are able to eat normally and have no significant stenosis. The platysma myocutaneous flap is a relatively simple and reliable alternative that is within the capability of every head and neck surgeon.     

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMC flap) represents a landmark in the development of head and neck reconstructive surgery. After Stephan Ariyan first described its use for head and neck reconstruction in 1979, it has become tremendously popular and has revolutionised head and neck cancer surgery. Here, we present our initial experience with fourteen PMMC flaps in head and neck reconstruction. In most of the instances it was used for oral or oropharyngeal reconstruction. It was used for five other reconstructive tasks as well. Wound infection was the most common complication. There was no case of total flap loss. It has proven to be a reliable method of reconstuction in the head and neck.     

Prevention of hair growth in myocutaneous flap reconstruction

Myocutaneous flaps play a prominent role in the immediate reconstruction of surgical defects following ablative oncologic procedures in the head and neck. Transfer of hair-bearing skin into the reconstructed upper digestive tract can be a major disadvantage associated with the pectoralis major flap. De-epithelialization of skin to the dermal level, removing the majority of skin appendages, can convert a myocutaneous flap to a "myodermal" flap. Platysma myocutaneous and myodermal flaps were grafted into the oral cavity of 13 dogs. Gross and histologic evaluation confirmed decreased hair growth in the experimental myodermal flap. Wound complications and graft survival were similar for both techniques. Diminished hair growth further supports the utility of myodermal flaps in hairy male patients undergoing upper digestive tract reconstruction.     

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。     

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。     

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。     

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap: An angiographic study

A new era in head and neck reconstruction has been opened with the use of myocutaneous flaps. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is considered the most reliable of its kind but flap failures still occur secondary to tension and infection. Our standard procedure has been to follow the acromioxiphoid line as a guide to the location of the blood supply of the pectoralis major muscle. We have noticed in the operating room and during cadaver dissection that the vascular supply is sometimes more laterally located than usually described. A review of the vascular supply of this anatomic area using angiographic studies of the subclavian and its branches is presented, with important findings critical to the surgical technique used to protect the flap's blood supply.     

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.     

胸大肌肌皮瓣在头颈肿瘤术后组织缺损修复中的应用

目的总结胸大肌肌皮瓣在头颈肿瘤术后组织缺损修复中的应用。方法回顾性总结2 0 0 7年1月～2 0 1 0年1 2月收治的3 6例患者因头颈部肿瘤手术后巨大组织缺损应用胸大肌肌皮瓣进行修复的临床资料。结果 32例(88.9%)胸大肌肌皮瓣完全存活,4例(11.1%)胸大肌肌皮瓣远端部分坏死。经换药、口腔护理等对症支持治疗后愈合。结论胸大肌肌皮瓣是一种临床应用广泛的修复材料。它具有丰富的组织量和确切的血液供应,修复操作简单,易存活,适用于头颈部肿瘤扩大切除术后组织缺损的即刻修复。     

Utilization of intestinal clamps for precise cutting of the pectoralis major muscle while raising a myocutaneous flap

A variety of approaches have been employed for the reconstruction of head and neck defects and most of the techniques involve the use of arterialized vascular flaps alone, or in conjunction with other regional or local tissues. We frequently use a pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap in our hospital in addition to other pedicled or free tissue transfers. A PMMC flap is a reliable flap with acceptable complications, needs a small learning curve, takes less time, and does not require additional investment (i.e. microscopes, loops etc). The disadvantages of the PMMC flap is that it has a restricted arc of rotation, gives a cosmetically unacceptable bulk in the neck, it is difficult in females and causes significant shoulder dysfunction. We have made a small improvization in the flap-raising technique which is helpful for the surgeon. This involves utilization of intestinal clamps to hold and cut the pectoralis major muscle.     

带蒂胸大肌皮瓣在头颈部肿瘤术后缺损修复中的应用

目的:探讨运用带蒂胸大肌皮瓣修复头颈部肿瘤切除术后缺损的效果及优点。方法:13例晚期头颈部肿瘤患者,行肿瘤切除术后以带蒂胸大肌皮瓣修复术后缺损。结果:术后11例愈合良好;1例出现腮腺瘘,加压包扎后愈合;1例自动出院后失访。结论:胸大肌皮瓣修复头颈部肿瘤切除术后缺损,具有血供丰富、可修复较大面积缺损、术后愈合较好等优点。对延长患者生命,减轻病痛有重要作用。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

The trapezius myocutaneous flap. Dependability and limitations

Many reports of the trapezius myocutaneous flap have centered on a single form of the flap. However, three distinct myocutaneous segments, the superior, the lateral island, and the extended island flaps, can be harvested from the trapezius muscle and its overlying skin. Fifty-five patients underwent reconstruction for head and neck defects using 56 trapezius myocutaneous flaps consisting of 28 superior, 24 lateral island, and four extended island flaps. The four vascular supplies of the trapezius muscle are discussed, with emphasis on the variable nature of the transverse cervical and dorsal scapular arteries. Major complications developed in two of 28 superior, five of 24 lateral island, and one of four extended island flaps. The superior flap, although the most dependable, has the most limited range of application. Both the lateral and extended island flaps have a broader range of clinical application, but their usefulness may be limited by previous neck surgery or occult neoplasm in the neck, as well as by the variable vascular supply. Due to the above limitations, 30% of our attempts to utilize the lateral island flap had to be aborted at the time of surgery and an alternate means of reconstruction used. The trapezius myocutaneous flaps are excellent reconstructive tools for selected defects.     

Pectoralis major myocutaneous pedicled flap in head and neck reconstruction: retrospective review of indications and results in 244 consecutive cases at the Toronto General Hospital.

The pectoralis major myocutaneous pedicled flap (PMMPF) has been considered to be the "workhorse" of pedicled flaps for head and neck reconstruction, and several series of PMMPF procedures have been reported in the literature. Between 1983 and 1997, 244 reconstruction procedures using the PMMPF were carried out on 229 patients by the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department at the Toronto General Hospital. Pectoralis major myocutaneous pedicled flap reconstructions were completed after ablation of cancer in the following sites: oral cavity, 113; oropharynx/hypopharynx, 50; larynx, 59; and other, 21. The locations of reconstruction were oral cavity, 121; pharynx, 74; and neck or face, 50. Of the 244 cases, 202 were carried out as primary reconstructive procedures, whereas 42 flaps were "salvage" procedures (reconstruction after fistula, flap failure, osteoradionecrosis, and internal jugular vein rupture). Eighty-five cases (35%) were affected by complications such as dehiscence, infection, hematoma, seroma, partial flap failure, total flap failure, fistula, and donor site complications. The duration of admission for cases with complications was longer, and higher complication rates were associated with salvage procedures, number of comorbidities, number of pack-years of cigarettes smoked, and oral cavity reconstructions. This series of consecutive PMMPF procedures is the largest reported to date.     

Delayed failure of myocutaneous flaps in head and neck reconstruction

Since the concept of myocutaneous flap reconstruction of the head and neck region was introduced it has opened a new approach to surgical management in this area. This flap not only reduced the number of operations as compared to "staged procedure", but also reduced the costs of medical care. We are, however, experiencing significant failures as the applications of this flap are extended. This paper reviews our experience with myocutaneous flaps in 15 partial and total failures. An evaluation of these failures reveals that most occurred 1 1/2 to 3 weeks after reconstruction. The factors predisposing to failure seem related more to technical errors rather than to general factors. Diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, malnutrition and low hemoglobin, and low blood pressure were not major contributors to the failures in our series. Local factors predisposing to failure of myocutaneous flaps can be divided into two large categories--arterial failure and venous failure. In our series of unsuccessful myocutaneous flaps, the major factors appeared to be venous stasis leading to arterial insufficiency. All failures had developed after the initial critical period of flap survival (7-10 days). The following techniques showed an especially high rate of failure: 1. SCM--myocutaneous flap to resurface floor of mouth. 2. Tubed pectoralis myocutaneous flap to reconstruct pharynx and esophagus. 3. Flaps developed with very narrow vascular pedicles. Individual cases representing delayed failure are presented.     

Oral and pharyngeal reconstruction using the free forearm flap

Recent progress in myocutaneous and free flaps has facilitated the primary closure of various complex defects resulting from ablative surgery of head and neck cancers. The musculocutaneous flap (such as the pectoralis major flap or the latissimus dorsi flap) has in particular proved its greater versatility. The forearm free flap for intraoral defects can provide thin and pliable skin and has great potential in the reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects. Between November 1982 and August 1985, we achieved 74 free forearm flap transfers for patients with head and neck cancers. Herein we present several clinical applications of the free forearm flap and discuss its advantages and disadvantages, especially hand morbidity after flap elevation.