Reconstruction of composite oncologic scalp defects: an algorithm approach

Composite defects overlap 2 or more facial units. It is difficult to reconstruct composite defects with adequate shape, color, and texture. Because it is non-hair bearing, is relatively thin, and has a color and texture similar to that of the rest of the face, the skin of the forehead possesses excellent characteristics for nasal reconstruction and repair of other facial areas. The authors developed an extended thin forehead flap (hemiforehead flap) that includes half of the total forehead skin and is based on supratrochlear vessels. In the patient reported here, a hemiforehead flap was used to reconstruct composite defects of the lower lid, cheek, nose, and upper lip. Acceptable aesthetic and functional results were achieved. This flap may serve as an alternative for reconstruction of composite facial defects.

Background Aesthetic reconstruction of scalp and forehead defects with local flaps and minimal donor site morbidity is the primary goal of coverage. While selecting the coverage technique, essential factors such as size, location, and components of a defect, hair-bearing or non-hair-bearing nature of skin, status of the exposed skull, need for radiation, patient condition, availability of local tissue, and the potential for hairline distortion should be kept in mind. Materials and methods This is a retrospective analysis in which 54 patients who underwent soft tissue reconstruction of the scalp and forehead defects were included. The defect size was categorized into four groups: small: <4 cm2, medium: 4-50 cm2, large: 50-200 cm2,and very large: >200 cm2. Reconstruction of all defects was done according to the defect's size, location, and depth. All patients were regularly followed at intervals of two weeks, six weeks, and three months, respectively. The outcome was evaluated in terms of flap survival, flap coverage scale, the requirement of secondary treatment, postoperative complications, and final aesthetic appearance. Results In 54 consecutively treated patients with scalp and forehead defects, the male-to-female ratio was 2:1, and the overall mean age of participants was 34.8 years, ranging from 0.5 to 66 years. The most common etiology of the defect was trauma (16; 29.6%), and the most common location of the defect was combined (16; 29.6%). Rotation flap and primary closure were the most commonly performed procedure, each 12 (22.2%) in number. Out of 12 primary closure cases, two patients developed wound dehiscence because of infection. All cases ofskin grafting healed well. All cases of transposition flap with skin grafting at the donor site went uneventful, and the dog ear at the base was revised later. One case of the bipedicle flap in which partial graft loss occurred at the donor area was managed with regrafting. Two cases of single rotation flap, one double rotation flap, and one free latissimus dorsi muscle flap developed distal necrosis. The excellent aesthetic outcome was found in all cases of primary closure and single and double rotation flaps. Conclusions Local flaps have an architecture similar to the recipient site, and low donor site morbidity results in an aesthetically more pleasant outcome. In our experience, scalp defects up to 50 cm2 were covered with the local scalp flaps with primary closure of the donor area. Defects ranging from 50 to 200 cm2 required local scalp flap with skin grafting at the donor area.Free tissue transfers are usually needed when the defect is very large, devoid of the periosteum, or with the calvarial defect.

The treatment of composite defect of bone and soft tissues with a combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior and RIB free flap

Extensive nasal defects after resection of a malignancy are a challenge for all plastic surgeons. Nasal composite tissue defects have to be reconstructed with multiple staging surgeries. A paramedian pedicled forehead flap and free tissue transfer can be used for lining and skin replacement at different stages. In general, free tissue transfer is used for nasal lining and nasal floor reconstruction at the preliminary stage. Several weeks or months later, a paramedian pedicled forehead flap is used to replace the skin. Intermediate stages will also be necessary, and therefore the total therapeutic course is very long. The aim of this study was to report the simultaneous use of a paramedian pedicle forehead flap and a free medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap to reconstruct a composite nasal defect after wide excision of squamous cell carcinoma. In 2015, a 57-year-old woman with squamous cell carcinoma of the nose underwent tumor wide excision, which caused a composite defect involving multiple nasal subunits (partial tip, dorsum, right sidewall, right ala subunits). She received both a pedicled paramedian forehead flap to replace the skin and an MSAP flap to reconstruct the lining during the same procedure. At the intermediate stage 4 weeks later, the pedicled forehead flap was elevated and tailored. Then, a further 4 weeks later, flap division was performed. The patient received a total of 3 surgical procedures to reconstruct the composite defects of multiple nasal subunits. Nasal reconstruction was done within 2 months. The patient was satisfied with the aesthetic appearance and functional outcome. Simultaneous paramedian pedicle forehead and free flap reconstruction can provide an effective solution for composite nasal defects. Satisfactory functional and aesthetic results can be achieved.

Vascularized free fibular flap for the reconstruction of mandibular defects: clinical experience in 42 cases

Reconstruction of an oromandibular defect presents a considerable surgical challenge. But since the advent of microvascularized free flap reconstructive surgery, outcomes have improved significantly so that today almost any defect may be reconstructed. Recently, virtual surgical planning has reduced surgical time, the morbidity associated with surgery, and surgical precision. This article reports a complex patient with a composite oromandibular defect. The patient had undergone multiple surgeries with bad results. She presented an orostoma of 5 cm in diameter, osteoradionecrosis and fracture of the left mandibular body, and relapse in the ipsilateral posterior maxilla. Reconstruction was performed by means of a scapular/parascapular chimeric free flap. A customized reconstruction plate was designed virtually based on the mirror image of the contralateral mandibular body. Surgery and the postoperative phase passed without incident. The patient recovered vocal, swallowing, and respiratory function without any problems. At the end of a 1-year follow-up, no complications or tumor relapse had occurred. Composite defects are a surgical challenge in which free flap reconstruction is an evolution that has facilitated treatment and led to improved outcomes. Virtual treatment planning produces more exact results and greater control of surgical techniques.

Oncologic lateral temporal bone resection can result in large soft-tissue defects and exposed bone and dura. Inadequate coverage can result in severe complications such as osteomyelitis, meningitis, or delay in adjuvant therapy. Successful reconstruction of these composite defects requires well-vascularized soft tissue with a large cutaneous component. Patients undergoing lateral bone resection often have medical comorbidities favoring a timely surgical procedure. This study evaluates the role of the anterolateral thigh free flap in reconstruction of defects after temporal bone resection. We performed a retrospective review of six consecutive patients undergoing temporal bone resection, parotidectomy, neck dissection, and immediate reconstruction. The patients had a mean age of 62 years. All defects were reconstructed with the anterolateral thigh free flap. Flap survival was 100%. There were no flap-related complications and no delay of adjuvant therapy. Vein grafts were not required to lengthen the vascular pedicle. One patient underwent cosmetic flap revision. All six procedures were done with a two-team approach and concomitant flap harvest. This allowed for similar operative times as sequential pectoralis major pedicled flap reconstruction. The anterolateral thigh free flap is a reliable and time-efficient method of reconstructing composite defects after temporal bone resection.

Single stage reconstruction of post traumatic and post excisional composite perigenual defects using chimeric pedicled propelled osteomyocutaneous fibula flap

Double forehead flap reconstruction of composite nasal defects

Adequate coverage of complex, composite scalp defects in previously radiated, infected, or otherwise compromised tissue represents a challenge in reconstructive surgery. To provide wound closure with bony protection to the brain, improve cranial contour, and prevent or seal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, composite free tissue transfer is a reliable and safe option. We report our experience with the latissimus dorsi/rib intercostal perforator myo-osseocutaneous free flap in the reconstruction of bony and soft tissue defects of the cranium and overlying scalp. The surgical technique, design, and outcomes of the latissimus dorsi/rib intercostal perforator myo-osseocutaneous free flap reconstruction in five patients with cranial defects between 2003 and 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. Patient characteristics, defect size, underlying cause, reconstructive details, and complications were analyzed. All patients (age 43 to 81) had composite defects ranging from 36 to 750 cm2 (mean size 230 cm2) for the bony component and from 16 to 400 cm2 (mean size 170 cm2) for the soft tissue defect. All patients had a history of prior or current infection of the affected area, and two patients had a CSF leak. Defects were due to malignancy and infection (n = 2), infiltrative cutaneous mucormycosis with osteomyelitis (n = 1), and hemorrhagic stroke requiring craniectomy (n = 2), complicated by infection and failed cranioplasty in one patient and continuous CSF leak in the other. The latissimus dorsi composite free flap consisting of skin, muscle, and vascularized rib can successfully cover large complex cranial defects, provide skeletal support, improve contour, and significantly enhance functional outcome with limited donor site morbidity.

Free Flap Transfer, a Safe and Efficient Method for Reconstruction of Composite Skull Base Defects After Salvage Resection of Advanced Intracranial and Extracranial Communicating Tumors

Objective To report clinical application of free chimeric vascularized fibular graft combined with sural flap for reconstruction of composite extremity defects after open fracture. Methods From June 2010 to July 2014, free chimeric vascularized fibular grafts and sural flaps were used to treat 4 patients with composite extremity defects at Department of Orthopaedics, The Sixth People’s Hospital. They were 3 men and one woman, aged from 39 to 61 years(average, 48.5 years). There were 2 cases of soft tissue defects on the forearm complicated with radial defect, one case of soft tissue defects on the forearm complicated with ulnar shaft defect, and one case of soft tissue defects on the leg complicated with tibial defect. The length of bone defect ranged from 8 cm to 18 cm (average, 13.0 cm); the size of soft tissue defects ranged from 22 cm × 6 cm to 23 cm × 15 cm (average, 22.3 cm × 9.7 cm). Results The area of flap ranged from 25 cm × 9 cm to 26 cm × 18 cm (average, 25 cm × 13 cm); the length of fibular graft ranged from 8 cm to 18 cm (average, 13 cm). The 4 patients were followed up for 8 to 42 months (average, 20.5 months). All the chimeric flaps survived. All the fractures united after an average of 8.5 months. The last follow-ups revealed no refracture. All the patients were satisfied with the outcomes. Conclusion Free chimeric vascularized fibular graft combined with sural flap is a reliable choice for reconstruction of composite extremity defects after open fracture. Key words: Sural nerve; Surgical flaps; Soft tissue injury

The free fibular osteocutaneous flap is often used in the reconstruction of composite oromandibular defects. In contrast, the lateral calcaneal flap has never been used in oromandibular reconstruction. On the basis of their anatomic continuity, the authors combined the free fibular osteocutaneous flap with the lateral calcaneal skin paddle to obtain 2 adjoining flaps in different anatomic areas with the same vascular axis. The authors report their experience in 3 patients with composite oromandibular defects. In 1 patient without an outer skin defect, only a sensory lateral calcaneal skin paddle with a fibular osseus flap was harvested. The lateral calcaneal flap carried the sural nerve as a sensory flap in 2 patients, and the result was passable. Only 1 patient encountered superficial flap tip necrosis at the lateral calcaneal skin paddle, and recovered well after wound care. In conclusion, a flap with many specific features is a feasible choice for reconstruction of composite oromandibular defects.

Complex Multidisciplinary Cranial and Scalp Reconstruction for Patient Salvage

Background: Relatively rare scarce number of flaps are used to repair composite defects occurring as a consequence of finger injuries. The main objective in this study is reconstruction of the composite defects of the fingers to share in our study; we aimed to transfer our the experience with the use of the free perforator flap of the radial artery superficial palmar branch (SUPBRA). Materials and Methods: A total of 10 (three women and seven men; age between range, 18 and 47 years) patients who had undergone free composite SUBPRA flap reconstruction, operations between 2010 and 2013 were included in the study. Defect sizes ranged between from 2 cm × 3 cm to 3 cm × 5 cm. The patients were followed up postoperatively for a median an average period of 11.5 (six-18 months) months. All patients were assessed with static and dynamic two-point discrimination tests, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, cold intolerance test, time of returning to work, the active total range of motion of the injured fingers, cosmetic appearance of the donor/recipient sites and were also assessed for neuroma the development of neuroma on the donor site. Results: All composite free flaps survived completely, and the follow-up duration was 11.5 months. The average median operative time was 194 min (180–260 min) and the patients returned to their work their normal life after an average of 13 weeks (11–21). Any complication concerning with donor sites and wrist movements when primary closures were performed was observed. Conclusion: Free SUBPRA flap can be elevated from ipsilateral extremity under regional anesthesia which can be easily used for the reconstruction of composite defects with an advantage of providing a relatively hairless and thinner coverage. Therefore, it can be a perfect alternative for the repair of composite tissue defects encountered in the practice of hand surgery.