Platysma myocutaneous flap revisited

The platysma myocutaneous flap has seen limited application in the reconstruction of head and neck defects over the past decade. There are anatomical and physiological reasons for this. There has been an emphasis on the anatomical vascular supply and method of preparation of the platysma myocutaneous flap and its use in the oral cavity. This article emphasizes the use of this flap for reconstruction of defects of the base of tongue, hypopharynx, lateral pharyngeal wall, and supraglottis. The criteria for selection of the platysma myocutaneous flap as a method of reconstruction, and the limitations, are outlined. New variations of harvesting the flap based on randomized muscular support are described. Specific complications as seen in our group of patients add certain precautions in the use of the platysma myocutaneous flap.     

蒂在后的颈阔肌肌皮瓣修复腮腺咬肌区皮肤组织缺损

目的探讨蒂在后的颈阔肌肌皮瓣修复腮腺咬肌区皮肤组织缺损的方法及可行性。方法回顾性总结2006～2007年间应用蒂在后的颈阔肌肌皮瓣修复腮腺咬肌区皮肤组织缺损共计6例。并就肌皮瓣的血供、设计、术中注意事项及术后效果进行了研究。结果本组6例随访2个月～1年,皮瓣全部成活,肌皮瓣术后的色泽、质地与面部皮肤较匹配,修复容貌效果满意。结论颈阔肌肌皮瓣血运丰富,成活率高,手术操作简便,是修复腮腺咬肌区皮肤组织缺损行之有效的方法,值得推广。     

Reconstruction of circumferential defect of the hypopharynx: Experimental studies and clinical application of a new method

Reconstruction of circumferential defect of the hypopharynx is a challenging problem in head and neck surgery. Reconstruction with a totally tubed pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMCF) has been advocated in recent years, but this procedure has the disadvantage of excessive bulkiness. In order to solve this problem, the author experimented with a partially tubed platysma myocutaneous flap and an inner surface of apron skin flap of the anterior neck in the reconstruction of the circumferential defect of the hypopharynx in ten dogs. Subsequently, the same surgical technique using PMMCF instead of the platysma myocutaneous flap was used for reconstruction following total laryngopharyngectomy in eight patients. The new partially tubed flap was successful in solving the problem of excessive bulkiness of the totally tubed PMMCF.     

The use of the platysma myocutaneous flap for reconstruction in the head-neck area -- a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE: Following extended tumor resections in the head-neck area options immediate defect reconstruction is needed to reduce healing time and improve rehabilitation. Reconstruction of significant areas of mucosal defects is best accomplished by introduction of a pliable regional transplant. The platysma myocutaneous flap has been used for defect reconstruction in head and neck area since more than 20 years. Its popularity is limited. Since 2001 in our department the platysma mucocutaneous flap is used for such reconstructions. We present a retrospective study evaluating our experience with the platysma myocutaneous flap. METHOD: From 2001-2003 25 patients have been subjected to surgical reconstruction applying the platysma mucocutaneous flap. The primary tumor was located in 16 patients (64 %) in the oropharynx, in 5 patients (20 %) in the hypopharynx and in 4 patients (16 %) in the oral cavity. Evaluation was based on medical records including the operative reports. All patients get a follow up in our outpatient clinic. RESULTS: The platysma flap is easy to harvest and has a low general risk level. Complications are minor and may be avoided by exact preoperative planning. Necrosis of the skin-muscle-flap was observed only after resection of the A. carotis externa (two cases). In these 2 cases an operative revision was necessary (stenting of the pharynx or secondary reconstruction by pectoralis major-flap). The resection of the A. facialis (three cases) did not lead to a serious complication. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the exact indication the platysma flap is suitable for reconstruction of surface defects in the pharynx and oral cavity. A special attention is given to the ipsilateral vascular supply and the length of the muscular pedicel. It proved to be a cost effective method due to the less time and personal expenditure.     

Platysma transverse myocutaneous flap: a 21 case series of an overlooked reconstructive method for facial skin defects

IntroductionSince the first report of a platysma transverse myocutaneous flap in 1977, few articles about this flap design have been added to the literature.ObjectiveOur aim is to describe our department’s experience with platysma transverse myocutaneous flap.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients undergoing platysma transverse myocutaneous flap reconstruction between 2011 and 2019.ResultsThere were 16 men and 5 women in this series. The mean patients’ age was 72.7 years old. In eight cases, we had wound complications, including four wound infections, one hematoma and three distal flap ischemia problems. Distal flap ischemia occurred only in cases that advanced beyond the midline and with length-to-width ratio equal to or over three to one. Neck dissection was performed in two of these three cases with ischemic complications.ConclusionSeveral factors may influence platysma transverse myocutaneous flap survival. Usually a long and narrow flap, especially crossing the neck midline and associated with neck dissection are more prone to poor outcomes.     

Tumours of the posterior pharyngeal wall: the use of the platysma flap

Posterior pharyngeal wall tumours are infrequent neoplasms with a very poor prognosis. The 5 year survival rate ranges from 3% to 32%. Most authors agree that the treatment of choice is surgery with post-operative radiotherapy. The results of treatment of 36 patients (tumour excision plus bilateral neck dissection and post-operative radiotherapy) in which the posterior pharyngeal wall defect was closed with a platysma myocutaneous flap were compared with other forms of repair (13 patients). The 5 year survival rate was 17.2% in the whole group. Laryngeal voice was achieved in 79% of patients having a platysma flap reconstruction. The platysma myocutaneous flap is very satisfactory for the repair of the posterior pharyngeal wall as it is easy to perform, it is oncologically safe and its functional results match well with other forms of reconstruction, with the advantage of laryngeal preservation.     

The Platysma Myocutaneous Flap: Underused Alternative for Head and Neck Reconstruction

Objectives The use, advantages, and disadvantages of the platysma flap were assessed. Study Design Retrospective review of the medical records of patients undergoing platysma flap reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract from 1987 to 2001. Methods Information regarding the tumor, surgical procedure, flap design, and outcome emphasizing complications and function was extracted. Associations between putative risk factors for flap failure and outcome were assessed using the χ² test. Results Thirty‐four patients underwent reconstruction with platysma flaps. Surgical defects included the oropharynx, oral cavity, and hypopharynx. Nine patients had had prior radiation therapy and all had some dissection of the ipsilateral neck. There were 5 postoperative fistulas (15%), flap desquamation was noted in 6 cases (18%), and 2 patients experienced loss of the distal skin closing the donor site. Complications were not associated with prior radiation. Hospital stay ranged from 5 to 21 days (mean, 10 d). There were no returns to the operating room or need for additional reconstruction. All but 1 patient resumed a normal diet within 3 months of surgery. There were no recurrences of cancer in the dissected neck regions. Conclusions The platysma flap is simple and versatile with properties similar to the radial forearm free flap. The rate of complications is similar to other published series, and problems encountered were manageable using conservative methods with excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes. These facts support the contention that the platysma myocutaneous flap can serve as a viable alternative to free tissue transfer and has advantages over pectoralis major pedicled flaps for reconstruction of many head and neck defects.     

Tracheal reconstruction with a modified infrahyoid myocutaneous flap

Reconstruction of a tracheal defect is a challenge because it often requires invasive surgery associated with relatively high morbidity. We recently invented a less-invasive method using a modified infrahyoid myocutaneous (IHMC) flap for the reconstruction of a tracheal defect in an 83-year-old male. A tracheal defect, the right half of the cricoid cartilage plus the right three quarters of the I-IV tracheal cartilage (about 3 × 4 cm), was reconstructed with a modified IHMC flap composed of the sternohyoid and platysma muscles and a skin pedicle. Considering the age of patient, we avoided rigid reconstruction and used a soft silicone tracheal opening retainer (Koken Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) as an anterior wall dilator after surgery and waited for the scarring of the flap until it become rigid enough. The postoperative course was uneventful and the trachea was reconstructed safely. Tracheal reconstruction with an IHMC flap is a useful and less-invasive alternative compared to end-to-end anastomosis or reconstruction with a forearm flap, which is currently used as a mainstay.     

下咽、颈段食管癌手术切除后保留喉功能与发声重建

目的：探讨下咽、颈段食管癌根治术患者喉功能保留与发声重建的手术方法。方法：对16例下咽、颈段食管癌患者手术切除肿瘤后，实施保留全喉及部分喉切除喉功能重建；全喉切除后Blom-Singer 1期、2期发声重建术，同时下咽及颈段食管缺损分别采用胃－咽吻合、前臂游离皮瓣、胸大肌肌皮瓣、胸三角皮瓣、胸锁乳突肌肌皮瓣，颈前肌皮瓣、喉气管粘膜瓣等方法进行整复。保留全喉8例，保留部分喉喉重建3例，全喉切除后行Blom-Singer发声重建1期4例，2期1例。结果：16例中除1例术后14d心脏病变发死亡外，均恢复了吞咽功能，13例恢复发声功能，6例恢复了全喉功能，2例恢复了部分喉功能（不能拔管）。5例行Blom-Singer发声重建者，均发声成功。结论：依据患者病变部位、肿瘤分期、身体状况、年龄等因素，切除肿瘤后采用不同的手术方法行喉功能保留及发声重建，可提高患者术后生存质量。     

Pharyngeal closure after pharyngolaryngectomy

Pharyngolaryngectomy was performed in 53 patients. In 36 patients pharynx defect was less than 50% of pharynx circumference and it was closed without reconstruction. Larger pharynx defects were closed using platysma myocutaneous flap (13 cases), pectoralis mayor flap (3 cases) and free forearm flap with microvascular anastomosis (1 case). Healing results are presented in each group of patients.     

Anatomical study and modified incision of the infrahyoid myocutaneous flap

Skin paddle necrosis and neck function damage, particularly rotation, are two problems associated with the infrahyoid myocutaneous flap clinical application. The aim of this study was to investigate vessel supply and drainage of the skin paddle and to report our modified flap incision technique. In this work, we conducted a cadaveric study and reviewed our experience with the modified incision and describe the surgical procedure. We confirmed the platysma muscle branch feeds the skin paddle overlying the infrahyoid myocutaneous flap. The length between the platysma muscle branch entry point and its originating point measured 3.38 (min 2.51, max 4.52) cm. The flap has two drainage systems. The skin paddle of the flap was drained by the anterior jugular vein and external jugular vein, respectively, or both. The infrahyoid muscles were drained by the superior thyroid vein. In the early four cases, where the platysma muscle branch was not protected, skin paddle necrosis appeared in two cases. In the later seven cases, which involved preservation of the platysma muscle branch, all flaps successfully survived. Patients in whom a modified incision was used all achieved both satisfactory rehabilitation of neck function and an adequate esthetic result. We conclude that the necrosis rate of the skin paddle of the flap can be reduced by carefully protecting its supply and drainage vessels. The modified incision can improve neck function postoperatively.     

Reconstruction of the anterior oral cavity using the platysma myocutaneous island flap

The platysma myocutaneous island flap has demonstrated high versatility and reliability when used to close defects in the oral cavity in a series of ten patients. The surgical technique for this one-stage reconstructive procedure is described. The advantages and disadvantages of this flap, the results, and complications are discussed.     

应用颈阔肌肌皮瓣修复下咽腔瘢痕狭窄

目的：探讨带蒂颈阔肌肌皮瓣转移术修复下咽腔狭窄术。方法：对本组10例下咽腔瘢痕狭窄患者应用带蒂颈阔肌肌皮瓣转移行下咽腔重建术。结果：本组术后9例顺利拔除气管套管，恢复正常的呼吸、发声和吞咽功能，随访1-3年手术效果巩固。结论：带蒂颈阔肌肌皮瓣转移修复下咽腔瘢痕狭窄术，操作简单易行，并发症少，具有较高的成功率和较好的远期疗效，此肌瓣是理想的下咽腔重建材料，值得临床推广应用。     

Sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap

The sternocleidomastoid myocutancous flap has several applications for reconstruction of defects about the head and neck. It is used for augmentation of facial defects, carotid artery protection, and repair of oral cavity defects. Additional reconstructive efforts suggest the sternocleidomastoid myocutancous flap can be used for facial reanimation and as an osteomyocutaneous flap incorporating the clavicle for mandibular reconstruction. Reports of unreliable viability and resection of the sternocleidomastoid muscle during neck dissection decreases the applicability of the flap. Twenty-seven sternocleidomastoid flaps were used in 26 patients for head and neck reconstruction. In contrast to the reported 40% to 50% incidence of superficial slough or total flap necrosis, three (11%) flaps developed superficial (cutaneous) slough while two patients developed inclusion cysts. The technique includes elevation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle with the overlying platysma and skin originally described by Owens. The procedure is modified by removing the epithelium on the tunneled portion of the flap. This allows the flap to be used as a one-stage method of reconstruction without sacrificing the additional blood supply from the platysma and overlying dermis.     

Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. Is a skin-lined pharynx necessary?

Current methods of pharyngoesophageal reconstruction have in common the creation of an epithelial lined pharynx. We performed eight cases of pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with a pectoralis major muscle flap. In the first six cases, split-thickness skin was quilted onto the muscle. In the last two cases, pectoralis major muscle alone was used, allowing epithelialization to occur from adjacent mucosa. The results with this simplified technique have been as good as when a skin-grafted muscle flap was used. We prefer a pectoralis major muscle flap, with or without split-thickness skin, to a pectoralis myocutaneous flap. There is no hair growth, it is easy to tube, and a thin-walled pharynx is produced. This is an advantage for the development of an esophageal voice, and tracheoesophageal puncture can be easily performed if no voice is achieved. All of our patients received full-dose, preoperative radiotherapy. One patient developed a fistula that closed spontaneously. There have been no strictures at the pharyngoesophageal junction. All patients quickly established a good oral intake.     

The superior pedicled platysma-myocutaneous flap

INTRODUCTION: The platysma-myocutaneous flap is a surgical procedure little used in oral and oropharyngeal reconstruction after malignant tumor resection. However, it provides a fast solution of reconstruction in specific indications, with functional and esthetic results comparable to other methods. ANATOMY: The platysma covers the anterolateral area of the neck and constitutes a part of the superficial musculoaponevrotic system of the head and neck. The arterial vascularization relies on the external carotid network and venous drainage on the external and anterior jugular veins. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The dissection of the myocutaneous-platysma flap is performed by a strict upward subplatysmal dissection. A strict subcutaneous dissection is then performed by an incision of the superior edge of the cutaneous paddle. Respecting the dissection planes as well as preservation of the facial artery, submental branch and external jugular vein improve chances of success. INDICATIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS: The platysma-myocutaneous flap may help to fill defects of the oral cavity and oropharynx. The main contra-indications are prior cervical surgery and cervical radiotherapy, the presence of adenopathy requiring removal of the facial pedicle and submandibular tumor extension.     

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.     

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.     

保留喉功能的T3声门癌的手术治疗

目的：探讨T3声门癌喉功能保留手术的方法和临床疗效。方法：对75例T3声门癌患者进行手术治疗，切除肿瘤后以会厌、双蒂接力肌甲状软骨膜瓣、颈阔肌皮瓣、胸骨舌骨肌筋膜瓣、颈阔肌筋膜瓣、甲状软骨膜瓣等修复组织缺损并重建喉功能。结果：全组病例3年生存率83．2％，5年生存率73．6％。62例患者于术后2周～6个月拔除气管套管，拔管率为82．7％。结论：T3声门癌在彻底切除肿瘤的前提下保留喉功能是可行的。熟练掌握多种修复方法，择优采用，是恢复良好的喉功能的重要保证。     

The superior trapezius myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction.

The superior trapezius myocutaneous flap, based on the paraspinous perforating branches of the intercostal vessels, is generally not a first-line choice for reconstruction of head and neck defects. However, after wound breakdown following radical neck dissection and radiation therapy, the superior trapezius flap is extremely reliable for coverage of exposed major neck vessels. The flap was used in 30 patients undergoing lateral neck reconstruction. All 30 patients had undergone prior neck dissection and all but two had undergone prior radiation therapy. There were no flap failures. The superior trapezius flap is unique among other regional myocutaneous flaps presently in use in that it has a superiorly based pedicle, which reduces the problem of gravitational pull on the suture lines of severely unfavorable recipient beds. Another advantage of using the denervated muscle of this flap is that it imposes no additional functional loss. The deficiencies of this flap are primarily related to its limited arc of rotation, thereby precluding its use when resurfacing defects that extend beyond the midline of the neck. The reliability of the superior trapezius flap after neck dissection can be explained by the angiosome concept. Based on that concept, previous ligation of the transverse cervical vessels during a neck dissection serves to simultaneously stage this flap, thereby improving its reliability and potential surface area available.