Forearm Free Flap Research Articles

Application of free forearm flap in reconstruction of postoperative defect of external nasal malignant tumor

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of free forearm flaps in repairing the postoperative defect of external nasal malignant tumor. Methods:Six patients with nasal malignant tumor were treated with radical operation of external nasal malignant tumor and simultaneous reconstruction of external nasal defects with free forearm flap. Preoperative Allen experiment, ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter or CT angiography confirmed that the forearm blood vessels were in good condition. Results:The free forearm flaps were obtained from six patients, and completely survived. During the follow-up period of 6-12months, all patients had good external nasal morphology, good nasal function, no nasal obstruction and anterior nostril stenosis, no obvious complications in donor hand and no local cancer recurrence. Conclusion:The free forearm flap is a reliable method to reconstruction the postoperative defect of external nasal malignant tumor, with a high success rate and good recovery of morphology and function recovery.

The Different Surgical Approaches to Maxillofacial Reconstruction after Ballistic Trauma.

Ballistic trauma to the face is a challenge, combining complex bone injury with severe soft tissue loss. The various surgical methods available are influenced by the extent of injuries. This study compares different operative modalities and their outcomes with different variables, aiming to define the ideal therapeutic approach. We retrospectively compared reconstructive modalities used to treat facial ballistic trauma cases at Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon, for a 12-year span. Statistical analysis was used to determine correlation between several factors and satisfactory results. Eighteen patients were included, with varying degrees of bone and soft tissue loss. After conservative debridement, fractures were treated by different modalities: open reduction and internal fixation, maxillomandibular fixation, and osteosynthesis with a reconstruction plate. Although primary closure was sufficient in 10 cases, severe loss of tissues was reconstructed with a fibular free flap in five cases, radial free forearm flap in two cases, and free parascapular flap in one case. Two others received an iliac bone graft as secondary reconstruction. The average follow-up was 2.45 years. Most cases achieved good aesthetic and functional results after several secondary operations, with few late complications. Early reconstruction and younger patients were associated with better outcomes. We favor early debridement and reconstruction. Free flaps were ideal for extensive tissue loss. Bone grafting was needed secondarily. A single surgical procedure seldom led to satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes, and secondary operations were inevitable.

How to Raise an Ulnar Free Forearm Flap: Demonstration of the Surgical Technique with Adjuncts and Refinements.

How to Raise an Ulnar Free Forearm Flap: Demonstration of the Surgical Technique with Adjuncts and Refinements.

Comparison of the Results of Phalloplasty Using Radial Free Forearm Flap and Anterolateral Thigh in Iran from 2014 to 2019

Abstract Introduction Due to the worldwide growing number of transgender individuals openly identifying themselves, including in Iran, these individuals need more attention and support. This study compares patient satisfaction and quality of life after female-to-male gender confirmation surgery using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and radial forearm free flap (RFFF). Materials and Methods This study included 49 patients who underwent phalloplasty from 2014 to 2019 using two different methods. The two groups' outcomes and quality of life were investigated and compared 1 year after the operation. Results The mean age of the patients in this study was 32.7 years. Among patients, 44.9% underwent revision operations, and 38.8% had residual protective sensations after 1 year. In terms of quality of life after surgery, the general shape of the phallus, cold and heat sensation, sense of touch, the body of glans and shaft, color and size of the phallus, sexual pleasure in patients and their partners, and the relationship between the number of anastomosed nerves and sexual satisfaction, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The ALT group had statistically significantly higher rates of orgasms compared to the RFFF group. Conclusion The outcomes of the two phalloplasty surgery methods (ALT and RFFF) are similar in different aspects, such as the quality of life.

Does the Anastomosis Recipient Vessel Have an Influence on Free Flap Perfusion in Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction-A Retrospective Analysis of 338 Cases with Comparison of Flap Perfusion between Different Arterial and Venous Recipient Vessels in Radial Free Forearm Flaps, Anterolateral Thigh Flaps, and Fibula Free Flaps.

Background: Flap perfusion is a prerequisite for microvascular free flap survival and a parameter routinely used for flap monitoring. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the anastomosis recipient vessel on flap perfusion. Methods: Flap perfusion was retrospectively analyzed in 338 patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction with microvascular free flaps between 2011 and 2020. The Oxygen-to-see tissue oxygen analysis system measurements for intraoperative and postoperative flap blood flow, hemoglobin concentration, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation at 8 and 2 mm tissue depths were compared between arterial anastomosis recipient vessels (external carotid artery [ECA], facial artery [FAA], lingual artery [LIA], and superior thyroid artery [STA]) and venous anastomosis recipient vessels (internal jugular vein [IJV], combination of IJV and IJV branches, IJV branches, and external jugular vein). Results: The postoperative hemoglobin concentration at 2 mm tissue depth differed significantly between arterial anastomosis recipient vessels (ECA, 41.0 arbitrary units [AU]; FAA, 59.0 AU; LIA, 51.5 AU; STA, 59.0 AU; p = 0.029). This difference did not persist in the multivariable testing (p = 0.342). No other differences in flap blood flow, hemoglobin concentration, or hemoglobin oxygen saturation were observed between the arterial and venous anastomosis recipient vessels (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusions: The arterial and venous recipient vessels used for anastomosis did not influence microvascular free flap perfusion. This underlines the capability of the studied recipient vessels to adequately perfuse free flaps, may explain the observed indifferent flap survival rates between commonly used anastomosis recipient vessels, and implies that the recipient vessel is not a confounding variable for flap monitoring with the Oxygen-to-see tissue oxygen analysis system. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings.

A 10-year experience in microsurgical reconstruction of the nose with a lower extremity flap

BackgroundTraditionally, radial forearm free flaps are utilized for nasal lining reconstruction when local flaps cannot provide adequate coverage. However, according to our clinical observation, the skin of the forearm flap is relatively thin and prone to collapse. We present a series of nasal reconstructions using free flaps harvested from the lower extremities to determine if the thick flap could provide more support and decrease the tendency of airway collapse. MethodsFrom March 2011 to July 2021, we identified 15 patients who underwent total or subtotal nasal reconstruction with free flap from the lower extremities (10 anterolateral thigh flap, 4 medial sural artery perforator flap, and 1 profunda artery perforator flap). We included 15 patients who underwent free forearm flap reconstruction as controls. The Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation (NOSE) score was utilized to subjectively evaluate the degree of nasal obstruction symptoms. ResultsThe lower extremity group had a lower NOSE score than the forearm group (25.4 vs. 40). It took more time (6.5 vs. 4.2 months) and more surgeries (4.6 vs. 2.6) from the first free flap reconstruction till forehead flap reconstruction in the lower extremity group than in the forearm group, although the total number of surgeries was comparable between the 2 groups (7.2 vs. 8.1). ConclusionsUtilizing free flaps from the lower extremities in total or subtotal reconstruction of the nasal lining may decrease the tendency of flap collapse and alleviate airway obstruction symptoms and may also allow reconstruction of surrounding defects simultaneously compared with using forearm flaps.

Analysis of Survival Quality of Peroneal Artery Perforator Flap in Immediate Repairment and Reconstruction of Oral and Maxillofacial Malignancies.

This study aimed to investigate the survival quality of peroneal artery perforator flap in the reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial malignant tumors. Thirty-two cases with a diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial malignant tumors admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 were randomly divided into 2 groups. The observation group was reconstructed with free open artery perforator flaps, and the control group was repaired with free forearm flaps. The observation group had significantly lower scores in terms of postoperative pain, appearance, and anxiety, compared with the control group ( P <0.05). Both groups had high scores on taste, saliva, and shoulder function although there was no significant difference ( P >0.05). The scores of the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group in terms of chewing, swallowing, speech, activity, mood, and entertainment ( P <0.05). There was 1 case accompanied by postoperative wound dehiscence and 2 cases with wound infection in the observation group while there were 3 cases with wound dehiscence and 2 cases with wound infection in the control group ( P >0.05). Compared with the forearm flap, the peroneal artery perforator flap can improve the survival quality of patients, especially in postoperative function with the fibula joint to repair the oral and maxillofacial defects. It has a wide application prospect as one of the ideal flaps in oral and maxillofacial postoperative repair and reconstruction.

Quality of life in post-tongue reconstruction: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of radial free forearm flap versus anterolateral thigh flap

Quality of life in post-tongue reconstruction: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of radial free forearm flap versus anterolateral thigh flap

Impacts of vascular comorbidities on free flap perfusion in microvascular head and neck reconstruction

PurposeArterial hypertension (AHTN), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) are common vascular comorbidities in patients undergoing reconstruction of the head and neck region with a microvascular free flap. These conditions may affect flap perfusion (microvascular blood flow and tissue oxygenation), which is a prerequisite for flap survival and thus reconstruction success. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of AHTN, DM, and ASVD on flap perfusion.MethodsData from 308 patients who underwent successful reconstruction of the head and neck region with radial free forearm flaps, anterolateral thigh flaps, or fibula free flaps between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Flap perfusion was measured intraoperatively and postoperatively with the O2C tissue oxygen analysis system. Flap blood flow, hemoglobin concentration, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation were compared between patients with and without AHTN, DM, and ASVD.ResultsIntraoperative hemoglobin oxygen saturation and postoperative blood flow were lower in patients with ASVD than in patients without ASVD (63.3% vs. 69.5%, p = 0.046; 67.5 arbitrary units [AU] vs. 85.0 AU, p = 0.036; respectively). These differences did not persist in the multivariable analysis (all p > 0.05). No difference was found in intraoperative or postoperative blood flow or hemoglobin oxygen saturation between patients with and without AHTN or DM (all p > 0.05).ConclusionPerfusion of microvascular free flaps used for head and neck reconstruction is not impaired in patients with AHTN, DM, or ASVD. Unrestricted flap perfusion may contribute to the observed successful use of microvascular free flaps in patients with these comorbidities.

Analysis of the effect of free posterior lateral peroneal artery perforator flap of lower leg in repairing oropharyngeal cancer

Objective:To analyze the clinical effect of free posterior lateral peroneal artery perforator flap of lower leg in repairing postoperative defect of oropharyngeal carcinoma. Methods:Thirty-six patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from June 2016 to June 2019 were analyzed and followed up, eighteen patients were treated with free posterior lateral peroneal artery perforator flap of the lower leg to repair the postoperative defects（experimental group）, and eighteen patients were treated with free forearm flap（control group）. The survival rate of the transplanted flap, the wound stageⅠhealing rate and average hospitalization time were compared between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the 1-year and 3-year survival rates of patients after operation, and log-rank test was used to compare the difference between the survival curves of the two groups; The recovery of swallowing and palatopharyngeal closure function of patients in the two groups at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after operation was calculated and statistically analyzed through the water swallow test and the air blowing method. Results:There was one case of skin flap necrosis in both the experimental group and the control group, and the survival rate was 94.4%. The wound stageⅠhealing rate in the surgical area was 94.4% in both groups. The wound healing rates of the donor area in the experimental group and the control group were 100.0% and 94.4% respectively. The average hospitalization time of the experimental group and the control group was 16.9 days and 17.2 days, respectively, with no significant difference （P>0.05）. The overall survival rates of all patients at 1-year and 3-year were 91.2% and 66.5% respectively; The 1-year and 3-year survival rates of the experimental group and the control group were 94.1%, 69.3% and 88.2%, 63.7%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups （P>0.05）. The 1-year and 3-year survival rates of P16+ and P16 - patients were 100.0%, 80.0% and 85.7%, 64.3%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups （P>0.05）. There was no significant difference in the evaluation of swallowing and velopharyngeal closure function between the two groups at 3 and 6 months after operation （P>0.05）, but there was a significant difference at 12 and 18 months after operation （P<0.05）. Conclusion:The anatomic position of the perforating vessels of the free posterior lateral peroneal artery perforator flap of the lower leg is constant, and it can be prepared into single leaf, multi leaf, chimeric and other flaps according to the tissue defect space. And the concealed supply area can be directly drawn to suture. At the same time, the skin flap has strong plasticity. Therefore, the skin flap can be used as a common skin flap to repair the defects after the operation of oropharyngeal carcinoma.

Free Tissue Transfer in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: A Case Series

Introduction: Free tissue transfer performed in patients with hematologic malignancies has several considerable challenges. Studies that report the challenges and outcomes related to these patients have been rather limited. This study presents the outcome of free tissue transfer as the reconstructive option for patients with hematologic malignancies. This study reports our experience regarding the perioperative evaluation, management, and outcomes of five patients with hematological malignancies that underwent free tissue transfer at Dharmais Cancer Hospital-National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia. Case Presentation: Five patients with hematologic malignancies, aged 26 to 60 years, who underwent free tissue transfer at Dharmais Cancer Hospital-National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia from January 2017 to February 2020 were included. The outcomes such as flap survival, complications, and mortality were reviewed. There were three patients with NonHodgkin lymphoma (NHL), one patient with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, and one patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). All patients received free tissue transfer with flap modalities such as radial free forearm flap and anterolateral thigh. One patient had a postoperative complication of vein compromise and was treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), which resulted in partial flap necrosis. Dehiscence was also found in one patient, and the patient underwent reoperation. Then, a myocutaneous trapezius flap was applied. There was no total flap loss, no donor site morbidity, and no mortality. Conclusions: This study has shown that free tissue transfer was a reliable reconstructive option for patients with hematologic malignancies. Flap survival and minimal complications can be achieved by optimizing the patient’s condition preoperatively, performing the meticulous nontraumatic surgical technique, closely monitoring potential post-operative complications, and implementing a multidisciplinary approach with the hematooncologists.

Smoking and microvascular free flap perfusion in head and neck reconstruction: radial free forearm flaps and anterolateral thigh flaps

Head and neck reconstruction with microvascular free flaps is frequently performed in smokers. Smoking causes various alterations in the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of smoking on flap perfusion as a critical factor for flap survival. A total of 370 patients reconstructed with a radial free forearm flap (RFFF) or anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) in the head and neck region between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Flap perfusion measurements with the O2C tissue oxygen analysis system were compared between nonsmokers, light smokers (< 20 pack-years), and heavy smokers (≥ 20 pack-years). The blood flow was intraoperatively equal in RFFFs (84.5 AU vs. 84.5 AU; p = 0.900) and increased in ALTFs (80.5 AU vs. 56.5 AU; p = 0.001) and postoperatively increased in RFFFs (114.0 AU vs. 86.0 AU; p = 0.035) and similar in ALTFs (70.5 AU vs. 71.0 AU; p = 0.856) in heavy smokers compared to nonsmokers. The flap survival rate was similar in nonsmokers, light smokers, and heavy smokers (97.3%, 98.4%, and 100.0%). Smoking partially increases rather than decreases microvascular free flap perfusion, which may contribute to similar flap survival rates in smokers and nonsmokers.

Two Pre-Expanded Free Flaps Used for Auricular Reconstruction and Ipsilateral Facial Scar Release

Auricular reconstruction is a great challenge for surgeons to achieve good aesthetic outcomes when adjacent tissues were burned. Compared with pedicle flap therapies, there are some advantages of pre-expanded free flaps for ear rebuilding, such as thinner layer tissues for aesthetic requirements of delicate auricular structures and less donor site deformity. In this study, the authors introduced 6 sequential surgical procedures for total auricular reconstruction with severe ipsilateral facial scar. Pre-expanded deltopectoral flap was used to release periauricular contracture and repair facial scar. The injured ear was restored by expanded forearm flap including autologous cartilage framework. The surgical procedures were lasted more than 2 years. An 8 and half year's follow-up was performed from November 2012 to April 2021. The clinical data and surgical techniques were recorded and analyzed. The patient was satisfied with the aesthetic outcomes of the new ear. The skin texture and color of the grafts were approximately matched to the recipient sites. Facial expression was not affected severely. Sensations of the transferred flap and new ear had partially recovered. The donor sites were recovered without severe complication. The pre-expanded free forearm flap is a feasible method for total ear reconstruction when local flap therapies could not be applied. Repair of ipsilateral facial scar is beneficial for auricular procedures.

Long-Term Donor Site Morbidity and Flap Perfusion Following Radial versus Ulnar Forearm Free Flap-A Randomized Controlled Prospective Clinical Trial.

This clinical prospective randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the differences between Radial (RFFF) and Ulnar (UFFF) Forearm Free Flap in terms of success, performance, and donor site morbidity. Thirty patients with reconstruction of the head and neck region were included. For the first time, this study assessed flap-perfusion characteristics, donor-site-wound-healing dynamics and hand perfusion using hyperspectral imaging. Further, subjective (Likert-scale, DASH-score) and objective (grip/pinch-strength) parameters of donor site morbidity were analysed. Postoperative follow-up was performed until 6 months after index surgery. With 100% of patients, RFFF and UFFF were equally successful. Compared to surrounding reference, UFFF revealed significant lower tissue oxygenation saturation (StO2) than RFFF. Compared with UFFF, blood flow in both the thenar and hypothenar region were significantly reduced 6 months following RFFF transfer. After four weeks, 27% more patients demonstrated impaired wound healing following RFFF transfer. After 6 months, epithelial-surface continuity was restored in all patients of both groups. After 6 months, overall rates of both subjective and objective donor site morbidity were comparable between RFFF and UFFF. RFFF and UFFF both demonstrate similar success rates and HSI-perfusion dynamics following transfer. After 4 weeks, wound-healing disorder appeared significantly more often in RFFF than in UFFF; however, they became equal after 6 months. RFFF and UFFF can be considered as mutual alternatives.

Impact of age on microvascular free flap perfusion in head and neck reconstruction

Aging is associated with structural and functional cardiovascular changes that may affect microvascular free flap perfusion, which is a prerequisite for flap viability and flap success. This study is aimed to investigate the impact of age on flap perfusion. Intraoperative and postoperative flap perfusion of 348 patients who underwent successful reconstruction with a radial free forearm flap (RFFF), anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF), or fibular free flap (FFF) was retrospectively analyzed and compared between older (>70 years) and younger patients (≤70 years) using the Mann-Whitney test and linear regression models. Intraoperative flap blood flow and hemoglobin concentration (55.5 arbitrary units [AU] vs 69.3 AU, P=.004; 42.5 AU vs 47.3 AU, P=.016, respectively) were reduced in ALTFs in older patients compared with younger patients. These 2 differences did not persist in multivariable testing (P=.097 and P=.323, respectively). No other differences were observed between the older and younger patients in terms of intraoperative and postoperative flap blood flow, hemoglobin concentration, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation in RFFFs, ALTFs, and FFFs (all P > .05). Age has no impact on microvascular free flap perfusion in RFFFs, ALTFs, and FFFs. This could contribute to the observed equal success of free flaps in older patients.

Refractory advanced osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in the mandible: Analysis of predictive factors, clinical, imaging, and therapeutic characteristics

Introduction: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws is a late, severe and difficult to manage side effect in patients who underwent radiotherapy (RT) in the head and neck region. Treatment remains controversial, especially in refractory cases that do not respond to multiple attempts with different therapies, due to their complex pathophysiology. It is based on conservative non-surgical approaches, even in large resections using free flaps. The present study aims to present and describe a clinical case of refractory ORN treated through microsurgical reconstruction and adjuvant therapies. Case Report: A 51-year-old female patient with oncological background of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) of the floor of the mouth, previously treated with marginal mandibulectomy, and who subsequently relapsed. In a second surgical time, left hemimandibulectomy was performed, followed by microsurgical reconstruction with the fibular osteomusculocutaneous free flap, besides, dental implants were placed in the perioperative time. Radiotherapy was performed using a 3D conformal technique technique with a total dose of 66 Gy and after six months the patient developed infection in the treated region and it was observed partial exposure of the fibular flap and intra and extraoral purulent drainage, and after imaging analysis the diagnosis of ORN was established. Some non-surgical therapeutic attempts were performed without clinical response and a new surgical approach was performed based on sequestrectomy, the removal of the titanium plaque and dental implants with a second microsurgical reconstruction with forearm fasciocutaneous free flap to cover the soft tissue defect was done. Conclusion: The pathophysiology of ORN remains controversial and the predictive factors for its appearance, development, and progression are still unclear. Marginal mandibulectomy could be associated with a rapid onset of ORN in patients submitted to adjuvant RT and it could be considered as a potential predictive factor. Combined therapies are reliable alternatives for local control in refractory cases and in advanced stages, and surgical removal with microsurgical reconstruction procedures are still a feasible alternative that has shown satisfactory clinical results.

Refractory advanced osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in the mandible: Analysis of predictive factors, clinical, imaging, and therapeutic characteristics

Introduction: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws is a late, severe and difficult to manage side effect in patients who underwent radiotherapy (RT) in the head and neck region. Treatment remains controversial, especially in refractory cases that do not respond to multiple attempts with different therapies, due to their complex pathophysiology. It is based on conservative non-surgical approaches, even in large resections using free flaps. The present study aims to present and describe a clinical case of refractory ORN treated through microsurgical reconstruction and adjuvant therapies. Case Report: A 51-year-old female patient with oncological background of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) of the floor of the mouth, previously treated with marginal mandibulectomy, and who subsequently relapsed. In a second surgical time, left hemimandibulectomy was performed, followed by microsurgical reconstruction with the fibular osteomusculocutaneous free flap, besides, dental implants were placed in the perioperative time. Radiotherapy was performed using a 3D conformal technique technique with a total dose of 66 Gy and after six months the patient developed infection in the treated region and it was observed partial exposure of the fibular flap and intra and extraoral purulent drainage, and after imaging analysis the diagnosis of ORN was established. Some non-surgical therapeutic attempts were performed without clinical response and a new surgical approach was performed based on sequestrectomy, the removal of the titanium plaque and dental implants with a second microsurgical reconstruction with forearm fasciocutaneous free flap to cover the soft tissue defect was done. Conclusion: The pathophysiology of ORN remains controversial and the predictive factors for its appearance, development, and progression are still unclear. Marginal mandibulectomy could be associated with a rapid onset of ORN in patients submitted to adjuvant RT and it could be considered as a potential predictive factor. Combined therapies are reliable alternatives for local control in refractory cases and in advanced stages, and surgical removal with microsurgical reconstruction procedures are still a feasible alternative that has shown satisfactory clinical results.

Analysis of various defects and reconstructive methods after invasive thyroid carcinoma resection

ObjectiveThe thyroid gland adjoins the trachea, pharynx, esophagus, carotid artery and cervical skin. Most thyroid carcinomas have been treated at lower stages; however, in some cases the carcinomas have invaded the surrounding organs. After resecting invasive thyroid carcinomas, the defects vary depending on the invasion area and organs affected; subsequent reconstructive methods vary depending on the size of defect and its components. This study analysed the pattern of defects and the reconstructive methods used following invasive thyroid carcinoma resection. MethodsFrom April 2011 to March 2021, 665 patients in Saitama Cancer Center (Saitama, Japan) were diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma and subsequently underwent thyroidectomies. In the 25 patients (3.8%), the thyroid carcinoma invaded surrounding organs and any reconstructive surgery—including end-to-end tracheal anastomosis and simple pharynx closure—was performed after thyroid carcinoma resection. The patients’ records were retrospectively reviewed, and the defects and subsequent reconstructive methods were analysed. ResultsWhen our new classification system was applied to the defects, the number of cases for each type was totaled: Tr0: 1; Tr1a: 3; Tr2b: 5; Tr3a: 1; La-Tr3b+PE2: 7; La-Tr3b+PE2+S2: 1; PE1: 1; PE1+S1: 2; S1: 2; S2: 2. For Tr0, a tracheal fenestration was performed after the tumor resection and the fenestration was closed with a hinge flap. For Tr1a defect, a tracheal fenestration was performed with cervical skin after the tumor resection and the tracheal fenestration was closed with a deltopectoral flap or pectralis major musculocutaneous flap. In one recent patient, the tracheal fenestration was reconstructed using free forearm flap and cervical skin, and the fenestration was closed with a hinge flap. For Tr2b defect, free forearm flap and costal cartilage graft reconstruction was performed after the tumor resection and the fenestration was closed with a hinge flap. For Tr3a defect, end-to-end anastomosis was performed in one patient. For La-Tr3b+PE2 defect, total pharyngolaryngectomy with free jejunal flap reconstruction was performed. For PE1 defect, a simple closure was performed in one patient and a PMMC muscle flap was used for covering the suture line in two patients. For S1 and S2 defect, PMMC flap or DP flap was used. ConclusionOur analysis of defects and reconstructive methods defines the complex defect patterns occurring after invasive thyroid carcinoma resection, describes the patterns of subsequent reconstructive methods.

Musculocutaneous Latissimus Dorsi Phalloplasty

The treatment of gender dysphoria consists of psychiatric evaluation, initiation of hormonal therapy, and the final step in an individual's transition, performing gender-affirming surgery. Construction of the neophallus is one of the most demanding tasks in genital affirming surgery of transgender men. The main objectives of phalloplasty are to achieve a cosmetically acceptable and functional phallus, with a neourethra that allows voiding in standing position, sufficient length and strength for possible penetrative intercourse, preserved tactile and orgasmic sensation, and acceptable donor site morbidity. The musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap has reliable and suitable anatomy (good size, volume, and length of neurovascular pedicle) to meet the esthetic and functional requirements of neophallus reconstruction. Despite many advantages, the main disadvantage of this flap is the lack of sensitivity. Although the radial free forearm flap technique is the most commonly performed procedure, musculus latissimus dorsi flap is an acceptable choice in gender-affirming surgery.

Maxillofacial free flap surgery outcomes in critical care: a single-center investigation looking for clues to improvement

BackgroundMaxillofacial surgery for free flap reconstructions is associated with many complications due to technical complexity and comorbidity of patients. With a focus on critical care, the authors studied the impact of complications to highlight predictors of poor postoperative outcomes in order to implement optimization protocols.MethodsThis case-control study analyzed the relationship between perioperative variables and postoperative medical and surgical complications of patients who underwent head and neck surgery using fibular and forearm free flaps. The primary objective was the incidence of prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). Secondary objectives were the incidence of ICU readmissions, postoperative infections, and 1-year mortality. A univariable logistic regression model was used. A study of mortality was performed with survival analysis. Regarding our primary objective, we performed a Benjamini-Hochberg procedure and a multivariable Poisson regression with defined variables of interest.ResultsThe data of 118 hospital stays were included. Prolonged ICU LOS was observed in 47% of cases and was associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumopathies, intraoperative blood transfusion, and surgical duration. Medical and surgical complications were associated with prolonged ICU LOS. After the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure, infectious complications, complications, major complications, total number of pneumopathies, and operative time remained significant. At least one complication was experienced by 71% of patients during the hospitalization, and 33% of patients suffered from major complications. Infectious complications were the most common (40% of patients) and were mainly caused by pneumonia (25% of patients); these complications were associated with low preoperative hemoglobin level, intraoperative blood transfusion, accumulation of reversible cardiovascular risk factors, chronic alcohol consumption, and duration of surgery. Pneumonia was specifically associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The ICU readmission rate was 10% and was associated with lower preoperative hemoglobin level, pneumopathies, surgical duration, and use of a fibular flap. The 1-year mortality was 12%, and the survival analysis showed no association with prolonged ICU LOS. Poisson regression showed that ICU LOS was prolonged by smoking history, lower preoperative hemoglobin level, intraoperative blood transfusion, major complication, and pneumopathies.ConclusionsPractices such as blood management and respiratory prehabilitation could be beneficial and should be evaluated as a part of global improvement strategies.