Extensive Defects Research Articles

The Kiss Flap Technique in Head and Neck Surgery - an Alternative Concept for Reconstruction of Extensive Defects

The Kiss Flap Technique in Head and Neck Surgery - an Alternative Concept for Reconstruction of Extensive Defects

Elimination of defects in the Schneiderian membrane during sinus lift operations

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a new method of plasty of an extensive defect in the mucous membrane of the Schneiderian membrane, which occurs during the sinus lift operation, using an artificial collagen membrane and a developed method for fixing it. A total of 188 patients took part in the study, all of these patients underwent an open sinus lift operation with simultaneous or delayed implantation. Operations were performed under balanced anesthesia. Six months after the operation, according to computed tomography, the height of the formed bone regenerate was estimated. In the area of each missing tooth, the initial bone height and the resulting bone grafting were assessed. Then we compared the average values before and after the operation, the average height difference before and after the operation. In 19 patients during the sinus lift there was an accidental extensive rupture of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus. Elimination of the mucosal defect was carried out according to our patented method. All 188 patients were diagnosed with partial loss of teeth with bone tissue deficiency in the distal maxillary sinus. The height of the alveolar process in the projection of missing teeth ranged from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. Delayed dental implantation was performed when the height of the alveolar bone was less than 3 mm, direct when the presence of 3-5 mm. After 6 months, dental implants were installed in the reconstruction zone, after another 6 months - rational prosthetics. The proposed method of plastic surgery has the following advantages. Firstly, it allows to eliminate the defect of the mucous membrane together with an increase in the height of the alveolar ridge. Secondly, after this method, the integrity of the mucous membrane will be restored. Thirdly, with an alveolar bone height of 3 mm or more, dental implants should also be installed.

Proximally based sural artery flap for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects around the knee and proximal third of the leg in India: a clinical study.

The reconstruction of defects around the knee and the proximal third of the leg necessitates thin, pliable skin with a stable and sensate soft tissue cover. This study analyzed the use of a proximally based sural artery flap for the coverage of such defects. This prospective clinical interventional study involved 10 patients who had soft tissue defects over the knee and the proximal third of the leg. These patients underwent reconstruction with a proximally based sural artery flap. The study analyzed various factors including age, sex, etiology, location and presentation of the defect, defect dimensions, flap particulars, postoperative complications, and follow-up. There were 10 cases, all of which involved men aged 20 to 65 years. The most common cause of injury was trauma resulting from road traffic accidents. The majority of defects were found in the proximal third of the leg, particularly on the anterolateral aspect. Defect dimensions varied from 6×3 to 15×13 cm2, and extensive defects as large as 16 cm × 14 cm could be covered using this flap. The size of the flaps ranged from 7×4 to 16×14 cm2, and the pedicle length was 10 to 15 cm. In all cases, donor site closure was achieved with split skin grafting. This flap consistently provided a thin, pliable, stable, and durable soft tissue cover over the defect with no functional deficit and minimal donor site morbidity. Complications, including distal flap necrosis and donor site graft loss, were observed in two cases. The proximally based sural fasciocutaneous flap serves as the primary method for reconstructing medium to large soft tissue defects around the knee and the proximal third of the leg. This technique offers thin, reliable, sensate, and stable soft tissue coverage, and can cover larger defects with minimal complications.

Comprehensive analysis of fibula free flap reconstruction: A retrospective study on limb defects and vascular considerations

The clinical applications of the fibula flap for reconstructing bone defects in the limbs have been widely studied. This study aims to investigate the use of the fibula flap in the treatment of bone defects resulting from trauma, infections, or oncological pathology. Additionally, the study focuses on analyzing preoperative experiences, including imaging and intraoperative aspects, to optimize preoperative planning. The study includes a retrospective analysis of adult patients who underwent surgical treatment for extensive bone defects from 2014 to 2020. Demographic data, surgical interventions, and postoperative complications were collected. Specific anatomical elements of the fibula flap, such as vascularization and dimensions, were also studied. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the clinical applications and optimization of the fibula flap for reconstructive surgery.

Bi-allelic variants in CEP295 cause Seckel-like syndrome presenting with primary microcephaly, developmental delay, intellectual disability, short stature, craniofacial and digital abnormalities

Pathogenic variants in the centrosome protein (CEP) family have been implicated in primary microcephaly, Seckel syndrome, and classical ciliopathies. However, most CEP genes remain unlinked to specific Mendelian genetic diseases in humans. We sought to explore the roles of CEP295 in human pathology. Whole-exome sequencing was performed to screen for pathogenic variants in patients with severe microcephaly. Patient-derived fibroblasts and CEP295-depleted U2OS and RPE1 cells were used to clarify the underlying pathomechanisms, including centriole/centrosome development, cell cycle and proliferation changes, and ciliogenesis. Complementary experiments using CEP295 mRNA were performed to determine the pathogenicity of the identified missense variant. Here, we report bi-allelic variants of CEP295 in four children from two unrelated families, characterized by severe primary microcephaly, short stature, developmental delay, intellectual disability, facial deformities, and abnormalities of fingers and toes, suggesting a Seckel-like syndrome. Mechanistically, depletion of CEP295 resulted in a decrease in the numbers of centrioles and centrosomes and triggered p53-dependent G1 cell cycle arrest. Moreover, loss of CEP295 causes extensive primary ciliary defects in both patient-derived fibroblasts and RPE1 cells. The results from complementary experiments revealed that the wild-type CEP295, but not the mutant protein, can correct the developmental defects of the centrosome/centriole and cilia in the patient-derived skin fibroblasts. This study reports CEP295 as a causative gene of the syndromic microcephaly phenotype in humans. Our study also demonstrates that defects in CEP295 result in primary ciliary defects. A full list of funding bodies that contributed to this study can be found under "Acknowledgments."

Reconstruction With Flow-Through Chimeric Anterolateral Thigh Flap Combining Vascularized Fibular Bone Graft for Extensive Composite Tissue Defect of the Forearm: A Case Report.

The management of critical limb trauma is challenging because limb salvage is preferable to amputation. For upper limb reconstruction, the surgical restoration of functionality, and appearance, a multidisciplinary approach is needed. We report the case of an extensive composite tissue defect of the forearm caused by a machine-crushing injury that was repaired by a flow-through chimeric anterolateral thigh flap with a vascularized fibular graft. Reconstruction was performed as a single-stage procedure; no complications occurred, and both functional and aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory.

IMPROVING SURGICAL STRATEGIES FOR TREATING EXTENSIVE SOFT TISSUE WOUNDS RESULTING FROM MINE AND EXPLOSIVE TRAUMA

Introduction.Since February 24, 2022, a primary focus of surgical care in Ukraine has been to provide assistance to citizens affected by Russian aggression. A significant proportion of wounds and injuries sustained in this context involves mine-explosive wounds, manifesting as soft tissue damage in the form of lacerations, shrapnel injuries, and wounds of varying degrees of contamination and size.
 The widespread adoption of Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) therapy for wounds characterized by extensive muscle and skin defects involves the localized application of negative pressure to damaged tissues. Typically, this precedes planned autodermoplasty, which, despite being a scheduled intervention, follows urgent surgical corrections. These interventions offer a distinct opportunity for individuals with substantial soft tissue injuries— and, as evidenced by experience, not limited to them— to restore their pre-injury quality of life.
 The aim of this study is to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by mine-explosive injuries and extensive soft tissue wounds.
 Materials and methods. The outcomes of surgical treatment of 57 civilian victims afflicted by landmine-explosive wounds and extensive soft tissue injuries were examined. These individuals underwent treatment at the Surgical Department of the Regional Clinical Hospital" during the period 2022 – 2023. Among the cohort, 34 were women, constituting 59%, while 23 were men, representing 41%, the ages of the patients ranged from 34 to 74 years.
 Results and discussion. All 57 patients initially underwent surgical treatment of wounds, involving the removal of foreign bodies if present, necrectomy, and subsequent application of the second-stage Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) therapy. The VAC therapy was used to cleanse the wounds and reduce their surface area. Continuous VAC therapy was administered at a negative pressure ranging from 50 mmHg (on the anterior abdominal wall and the back surface of the chest) to 110 mmHg (on tissues of the lower extremities). The replacement of the VAC dressing occurred every 3-5 days, contingent upon the quantity and quality of the exudate, with typically 2-3 changes required. The third stage involved the application of free autodermoplasty utilizing a perforated skin flap. Mechanical wound treatment was performed iteratively until the level of "bloody dew" was reached.
 We suggest that all these stages are essential for achieving favorable treatment outcomes, irrespective of any severe accompanying pathology that may arise. Indeed, comorbidity stands out as a defining factor that distinguishes the civilian population qualitatively from the military category.
 Conclusions. The application of Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) therapy followed by autodermoplasty in the management of extensive soft tissue injuries caused by mine-explosive incidents significantly enhances the efficacy of surgical treatment and reduces the period of patient incapacitation, presenting clear economic benefits. Autodermoplasty, in particular, holds a commendable position within the realm of reconstructive surgery for mine and explosive wounds. Within this context, autodermoplasty emerges as a surgical intervention that not only yields positive aesthetic outcomes but also facilitates an accelerated adaptation of the affected body part. This, in turn, contributes to an improved quality of life for victims of mine-explosive trauma grappling with substantial soft tissue damage.

Conservative treatment of iatrogenic tracheal rupture (clinical case)

The objective was to demonstrate a clinical case of iatrogenic injury of the trachea, which, despite its large size (length 65, width up to 25 mm), wastreated conservatively and, thus, avoided risks for the patient associated with the need for technically complex surgical intervention.Materials and methods. A 65-year-old patient diagnosed with peripheral cancer of the lower lobe of the left lung pT2aN0M0 stage IB, who routinely underwent thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection. During anesthesia, tracheal intubation with a double-lumen tube of the R. Shaw type was carried out with technical difficulties; during intubation, a defect in the posterior wall of the trachea in its membranous part was formed. The defect was diagnosed on the first postoperative day.Results. Despite the large size of the tracheal defect, the patient had no symptoms of respiratory failure, and there were also no signs of mediastinitis or damage to the esophagus, which almost completely covered the resulting hole in the posterior wall of the trachea. Such circumstances made it possible to avoid a potentially dangerous and complex surgical intervention, carry out conservative therapy and wait for the resulting defect to heal through granulation tissue. Enhanced antimicrobial therapy was carried out; in order to sanitize the tracheobronchial tree and monitor healing, fiber-optic bronchoscopy was performed, which made it possible to clearly demonstrate both the damage itself and the stages of its healing.Conclusions. The described case clearly demonstrates the potential for healing of even very extensive tracheal wall defects with conservative therapy. However, it is important to note that success in this clinical case was the result of a combination of circumstances – only the membranous part of the trachea was damaged; the defect was almost completely covered by the intact esophagus, which reduced the risk of developing mediastinitis and prevented the development of severe pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. There were no signs of respiratory failure. The patient was transferred from the intensive care unit on the 13th day of the postoperative period, discharged from the hospital on the 22nd day.

The Use Carbon Composite Material For Replacement of Postresection Bone Defects

In studying the use of various implanted materials, the authors found no case reports of carbon composite material for children in the available literature. The boundaries of carbon composite material use are not clear, and indications and contraindications for its applying are not outlined. Therefore, the authors decided to share the initial experience of its use for the replacement of post-resection bone defects for children. The paper presents the results of surgical treatment of 8-16-year-old children with extensive bone defects after resection of pathological tissue with the use of highly porous cellular carbon in isolation and in combination with autografts. During the study, children with damage to long bone segments - tibia, shoulder, and femoral were operated on. The clinical and radiation results of this study have been evaluated based on the Musculo Skeletal Tumor Society Score Scale. 100% of treated patients were rated as good for period from 7 to 12 years after surgery. There were no complications in the operated patients. Full integration of the implantable materials was observed with good clinical and radiological results.

Delayed reconstructive plastic surgery in patients with tumors of the maxillofacial region: literature review

Introduction. The main treatment option for malignant neoplasms of the head and neck is combined. However, survival rates are still relatively unchanged. The surgical stage of treatment leads to extensive defects that are eliminated through reconstructive technologies. Despite the priority of performing reconstruction at the same time, delayed reconstructions are still being discussed 6–12 months after surgical treatment; therefore, it is necessary to develop new methodological and practical approaches.Aim. To determine the features of the delayed reconstructive-plastic stage in patients with malignant tumors maxillofacial region, evaluation of possible solutions for optimizing the stage.Material and methods. The analysis of available literature sources was taken in the database Medline, Pubmed, eLibrary, etc. The 101 studies were found, 60 were used to write a systematic review.Results. Delayed reconstructive plastic surgery should take into the possibility more complex and larger defects of soft and bone tissues during the reconstructive stage, previous surgery and/or radiation therapy create significant difficulties for the identification of recipient vessels. Computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies allow projecting the design and positioning of reconstructive material at the preoperative stage. Mandibular reconstruction is the most difficult, that isn’t achieve only an aesthetic result, but also to restore the biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint. The development of specific complications hinders the improvement of the patient’s quality of life. In the early postoperative period is may develop necrosis of the flap, thrombosis of vascular pedicle, hematoma; in the late postoperative period plate extrusion is still one of the common complications, planning delayed reconstruction an important aspect is prevention or treatment of osteoradionecrosis. The combination of precarbohydrate loading and dalargin will allow to reduce the frequency of perioperative complications and improve the long-term results of surgical treatment.Conclusion. Reconstructive treatment in patients with defects requiring postponed reconstructive surgeries is a complex problem which requires development of an integrated approach with detailed analysis of the existing defect and previous antitumor therapy.

Virtual planning for mandible resection and reconstruction

Abstract In mandibular reconstruction, computer-assisted procedures, including virtual surgical planning (VSP) and additive manufacturing (AM), have become an integral part of routine clinical practice. Especially complex cases with extensive defects after ablative tumor surgery benefit from a computer-assisted approach. Various CAD/CAM-manufactured tools such as surgical guides (guides for osteotomy, resection and predrilling) support the transition from virtual planning to surgery. Patient-specific implants (PSIs) are of particular value as they facilitate both osteosynthesis and the positioning of bone elements. Computer-based approaches may be associated with higher accuracy, efficiency, and superior patient outcomes. However, certain limitations should be considered, such as additional costs or restricted availability. In the future, automation of the planning process and augmented reality techniques, as well as MRI as a non-ionizing imaging modality, have the potential to further improve the digital workflow.

Heterostructure design of one-dimensional ZnO@CoNi/C multilayered nanorods for high-efficiency microwave absorption

Dimensional design and heterogeneous interface engineering are promising approaches for the fabrication of superior absorbers with high loss performance and a wide effective bandwidth. Therein, ZnO nanorods were successfully synthesized and combined with CoNi nanosheets by hydrothermal method, and PDA was then encapsulated on the surface of the material to form a unique one dimensional (1D) core-sheath structure. The extensive defects and residual functional groups are present in the calcined material, as well as the multiple heterogeneous interfaces enhance the dielectric loss induced by polarization. Simultaneously, the 1D structure wrapped with PDA offers an efficient pathway for electron transfer, hence facilitating the enhancement of conductive loss. In addition, the CoNi-LDHs sheet layer stacked on the surface not only causes multiple scattering and reflections of electromagnetic waves, but also provides magnetic losses to optimize the impedance matching. Finally, radar cross section (RCS) simulations further reveal that the composite can dissipate electromagnetic energy in practical applications. Consequently, the 1D multilayer ZnO@CoNi/C composite exhibits an optimal reflection loss of −55 dB with a thickness of 2.3 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) value of 6.8 GHz when the filling ratio is only 20 wt%. In summary, this paper provides a new direction for the fabrication of 1D multilayer nonhomogeneous interfacial absorbers with excellent performance.

Vascularized versus Free Nerve Grafts: An Experimental Study on Rats.

Vascularized nerve grafts (VNGs) have been proposed as a superior alternative to free nerve grafts (FNGs) for complex nerve defects. A greater regenerative potential has been suggested by clinical and experimental studies, but conclusive evidence is still lacking. In this experimental study, 10 adult male Wistar rats received a non-vascularized orthotopic sciatic nerve graft on their right side, and a vascularized orthotopic sciatic nerve graft nerve on their left side. Functional outcome following nerve regeneration was evaluated through electrodiagnostic studies, target muscles weight and histomorphology, and data of VNGs and FNGs were compared. The results of this study showed a significant difference in the motor unit number of Gastrocnemius Medialis (GM) estimated by MUNE in the VNG side compared to the FNG side. No other significant differences in axonal regeneration and muscle reinnervation were evident at either electrodiagnostic, histomorphology studies or muscle weight. This experimental model showed slight differences in nerve regeneration between VNGs and FNGs, but cannot support a high clinical advantage for VNGs. The results of this study show that VNGs are not strongly superior to FNGs in the rat model, even in avascular beds. Clinical advantages of VNGs are likely to be limited to extensive and thick nerve defects and can only be assessed on experimental model with bigger animals. Also, we showed that the MUNE technique provided a reliable and reproducible evaluation of functional outcomes in the rat sciatic nerve and defined a reproducible protocol for functional evaluation of muscle reinnervation.

Manganese Enhances the Osteogenic Effect of Silicon-Hydroxyapatite Nanowires by Targeting T Lymphocyte Polarization.

Biomaterials encounter considerable challenges in extensive bone defect regeneration. The amelioration of outcomes may be attainable through the orchestrated modulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. Silicon-hydroxyapatite, for instance, which solely focuses on regulating innate immunity, is inadequate for long-term bone regeneration. Herein, extra manganese (Mn)-doping is utilized for enhancing the osteogenic ability by mediating adaptive immunity. Intriguingly, Mn-doping engenders heightened recruitment of CD4+ T cells to the bone defect site, concurrently manifesting escalated T helper (Th) 2 polarization and an abatement in Th1 cell polarization. This consequential immune milieu yields a collaborative elevation of interleukin 4, secreted by Th2 cells, coupled with attenuated interferon gamma, secreted by Th1 cells. This orchestrated interplay distinctly fosters the osteogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells and effectuates consequential regeneration of the mandibular bone defect. The modulatory mechanism of Th1/Th2 balance lies primarily in the indispensable role of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and the phosphorylation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In conclusion, this study highlights the transformative potential of Mn-doping in amplifying the osteogenic efficacy of silicon-hydroxyapatite nanowires by regulating T cell-mediated adaptive immunity via the MnSOD/AMPK pathway, thereby creating an anti-inflammatory milieu favorable for bone regeneration.

ХИРУРГИЧЕСКАЯ ПОДГОТОВКА ПАЦИЕНТОВ С АТРОФИРОВАННЫМИ АЛЬВЕОЛЯРНЫМИ ОТРОСТКАМИ ДЛЯ РАЦИОНАЛЬНОГО ПРОТЕЗИРОВАНИЯ

The multimodal concept is the basis for complex functional rehabilitation of patients with extensive defects and deformities of the jaws. The multi-implantation concept of dental implantation in complex aesthetic functional rehabilitation of patients with extensive defects and deformities of the jaws has an advantage over the multimodal concept of dental implantation.

Experience of the 193 small intestine reconstructions of ureters

BACKGROUND: The ureteral plastic surgery with their extended constrictions and obliterations remains one of the most difficult problems of reconstructive urology. This is especially true in cases where it is impossible to repair the patency of the ureter due to unchanged urinary tract sections. In such cases, various segments of the gastrointestinal tract and, above all, the ileum proved to be the best plastic material. However, the number of such operations in the world is not enough, which requires further accumulation of experience and study of long-term results of ileoureteroplasty.
 AIM: The aim of the research is to present the technical features and results of intestinal plastic surgery of ureters.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2023 ileoureteroplasty was performed in 193 patients of the Clinic of the North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov on the basis of the urological department of City Multidisciplinary Hospital No. 2. The panel consisted of 71 men (36.8%), 122 women (63.2%). The average age was 51 ± 3.2 years. Indications for these operations were extensive defects of the ureters as a result of complications of surgical intervention on the upper urinary tract in 69 (35.8%) of patients, radiation therapy — in 54 (28.0%) and the consequences of iatrogenic damage to the ureters — in 40 (20.7%). Megaureter (6.2%), Ormond’s disease (7.3%) and neoplasms of the ureters (2.0%) were observed less frequently.
 RESULTS: Unilateral ileoureteroplasty was performed 153 (79.3%), bilateral — 40 (20.7%). The total number of ureteralsurgeries is 235. Since 2013 ileureteroplasty has also been performed with laparoscopic method, and the share of such operations for this period was 35.9%. The early postoperative complications occurred in 18 (9.3%) patients. There were no fatal outcomes. Late complications developed in 16 (11.2%) of 143 examined patients.
 CONCLUSIONS: This surgical tactics may be recommended in the clinical practice of large urological hospital due to our 22-year experience in using small intestine segments to replace extended ureteral constrictions with a minimum number of postoperative complications, no deaths and good long-term results allows us to recommend.

Orbital floor defect caused by invasive aspergillosis: a case report and literature review.

Fungal sinusitis is relatively rare, but it has become more common in recent years. When fungal sinusitis invades the orbit, it can cause proptosis, chemosis, ophthalmoplegia, retroorbital pain, and vision impairment. We present a case of an extensive orbital floor defect due to invasive fungal sinusitis. A 62-year-old man with hypertension and a history of lung adenocarcinoma, presented with right-side facial pain and swelling. On admission, the serum glucose level was 347 mg/dL, and hemoglobin A1c was 11.4%. A computed tomography scan and a Waters' view X-ray showed right maxillary sinusitis with an orbital floor defect. On hospital day 3, functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed by the otorhinolaryngology team, and an aspergilloma in necrotic inflammatory exudate obtained during exploration. On hospital day 7, orbital floor reconstruction with a Medpor Titan surgical implant was done. In principle, the management of invasive sino- orbital fungal infection often begins with surgical debridement and local irrigation with an antifungal agent. Exceptionally, in this case, debridement and immediate orbital floor reconstruction were performed to prevent enophthalmos caused by the extensive orbital floor defect. The patient underwent orbital floor reconstruction and received intravenous and oral voriconazole. Despite orbital invasion, there were no ophthalmic symptoms or sequelae.

Reconstruction of extensive scalp defects of oncologic origin using thoracodorsal artery perforator free flaps

Purpose: Ablation of malignant neoplasms of the scalp usually leaves extensive defects. Free musculocutaneous transfer using the latissimus dorsi muscle with a skin graft has been the gold standard for restoring such defects; however, this approach may be limited by potential functional morbidity and delayed healing of the grafted skin. This study presents a case series of microsurgical reconstruction with thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps for extensive scalp defects after radical oncologic resection.Methods: Consecutive patients with malignant scalp tumors who underwent wide local excision and defect coverage with TDAP free flaps between April 2019 and January 2023 were evaluated. Operation-related data and surgical outcomes, including donor- and recipient-site complications, postoperative shoulder function, and aesthetic results, were thoroughly assessed. As an oncologic outcome, local recurrence was also recorded.Results: Eleven patients who underwent reconstruction with an average flap size of 223.2 cm<sup>2</sup> (range, 160.0–406.0 cm<sup>2</sup>) were identified. The flaps were based on an average of 2.4 perforators. The donor-site wound was closed primarily in all cases. All flaps achieved complete wound healing within an average of 2 weeks and presented stable resurfacing of the scalp with satisfactory morphological outcomes. No functional shoulder disability was observed in the postoperative period. Five patients exhibited local recurrence but were appropriately treated in a timely manner.Conclusion: The free TDAP flap could be a potential, effective reconstructive tool for extensive scalp defects of oncologic origin and can overcome the recipient- and donor-site complications associated with the conventional procedure.

Virtual surgical planning/3D printing assisted fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap combined with anterolateral thigh flaps for extensive composite oromandibular defects reconstruction: a retrospective study of case series.

Oromandibular tumors or osteoradionecrosis often lead to extensive composite defects encompassing intraoral, bone and extraoral tissues. A single flap cannot simultaneously offer sufficient bone and soft tissue. The combination of free flaps could be a prospective approach to overcome the challenge. The study aims to assess the efficacy of virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3D printing assisted fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap (FOSCF) combined with anterolateral thigh flaps (ALT) in reconstructing extensive composite defects in the oromandibular region. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 8 patients who underwent reconstruction using FOSCFs combined with ALTs. Post-surgical excision of the lesions, we obtained mean values for the defects of intraoral soft tissue, bone, extraoral soft tissue, namely, being 42.7cm2, 96mm, and 68.9cm2. The mean surgical procedures took 712.5min. A total of 16 flaps were harvested and transplanted for the 8 patients, with all successfully surviving. Postoperatively, complications manifested as localized intraoral infections in 2 cases, intermuscular vein thrombosis in another 2 cases, and pulmonary infections in 2 patients. Two patients unfortunately experienced tumor recurrence, at 12 and 3months post-operation respectively. For the surviving 6 patients, the average follow-up period was 12.2months. Regarding patient satisfaction, one expressed dissatisfaction with the contour of the mandible, and two exhibited moderate trismus. Objective assessments identified 1 case of oral incontinence and 2 cases where external flap contractures were observed. All 8 patients experienced restoration of masticatory function and were able to consume a soft diet within a month post-surgery. VSP/3D printing assisted FOSCFs combined with ALTs can be performed safely to reconstruct the extensive composite tissue defects in our study, with desirable esthetic and functional results, and it is a reliable option in selecting patients with defects involving multiple tissue types. However, the benefits of this method needed more cases to validate.

Reconstructive surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy for the multimodal approach in oral cancer: a single cancer centre experience

Introduction and importance: Ablative surgery for oral cancer, irrespective of the histological subtype, causes large tissue defects, functional and aesthetic damage. Microsurgical free flaps have been widely used in reconstruction after resection, with satisfactory success rates in conjunction with adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). This study aims to describe our clinical institutional experience based on the multimodal treatment performed in four cases diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma with the use of different microvascular free flaps and RT. Case series presentation: Four patients underwent reconstructive microsurgery after surgical resection of oral cancer, using three types of free flap: radial forearm fasciocutaneous, osteomyocutaneous fibular, and anterolateral thigh musculocutaneous flaps; RT was performed in Case 2 and Case 3. In the period of 3 years after microsurgical reconstruction and RT, flaps remain clinically stable without failure signs in full patients submitted to multimodal treatment. Clinical discussion: After resection of oral carcinomas, extensive tissue defects can be successfully treated with reconstructive microsurgery using different types of microvascular free flaps. RT for locoregional control is a feasible option and did not seem to interfere with the survival of flaps. Conclusion: An enhance long-term follow-up to assess overall and disease-free survival rates and quality of life must be carried out; however, cohort studies would be necessary for better understanding of the role of each treatment in the multimodal scheme.