Free Flap Reconstruction Research Articles

Trends of Microsurgical Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction and Safety during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses unprecedented challenges among patients with head and neck (HN) cancer that require oncological and reconstructive surgeries. This study aims to identify differences in postoperative outcomes for patients who underwent microsurgical HN free flap reconstruction prior to versus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A retrospective observational study using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2019 to 2020 database to identify patients with HN cancer who underwent a vascularized free tissue transfer was undertaken. Two cohorts were created: pre- and during COVID-19. Fisher's exact test and the unpaired Student's t-test were used to evaluate differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between the cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess differences in reoperation rates between groups as well as to identify potential risk factors for reoperation. Results A total of 763 patients were analyzed. The mean age of patients in the overall cohort was 63.6 (standard deviation: 11.5) years. Most patients were white (62.7%). Overall, no statistically significant difference was evidenced between cohorts in terms of immediate postoperative outcomes. Similarly, reoperation rates were similar between groups (p > 0.05). Dependent functional status (p = 0.021) and postoperative infection (p < 0.001) were found to be risk factors for reoperation after holding other factors constant. Conclusion HN flap reconstruction can be performed safely during the COVID-19 era. Standardized protocols for patient selection must be strictly followed to avoid disease progression and optimize surgical outcomes. Further studies assessing long-term outcomes during the pandemic are of utmost importance to elucidate the true impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this population.

Histopathologic Features of Mucosal Head and Neck Cancer Cachexia.

Determine the histopathologic features that correlate with head and neck cancer (HNC) cachexia. A single-institution, retrospective study was performed on adults with HPV-negative, mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the aerodigestive tract undergoing resection and free flap reconstruction from 2014 to 2019. Patients with distant metastases were excluded. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative nutrition, and surgical pathology reports were collected. Comparisons of histopathologic features and cachexia severity were made. The study included 222 predominantly male (64.9%) patients aged 61.3 ± 11.8 years. Cachexia was identified in 57.2% patients, and 18.5% were severe (≥15% weight loss). No differences in demographics were identified between the groups. Compared to control, patients with severe cachexia had lower serum hemoglobin (p=0.048) and albumin (p < 0.001), larger tumor diameter (p < 0.001), greater depth of invasion (p < 0.001), and elevated proportions of pT4 disease (p < 0.001), pN2-N3 disease (p=0.001), lymphovascular invasion (p=0.009), and extranodal extension (p=0.014). Multivariate logistic regression identified tumor size (OR [95% CI] = 1.36 [1.08-1.73]), oral cavity tumor (OR [95% CI] = 0.30 [0.11-0.84]), and nodal burden (OR [95% CI] = 1.16 [0.98-1.38]) as significant histopathologic contributors of cancer cachexia. Larger, more invasive tumors with nodal metastases and aggressive histologic features are associated with greater cachexia severity in mucosal HNC.

Complications of Reconstructive Surgery in Head and Neck Region: A Cross-Sectional Study from Bangladesh

Background Microvascular free flaps are ideal for reconstructing post-oncological surgery defects in the head and neck region. Free flaps provide ample tissue for reconstructing even large, complex defects, which gives oncosurgeons flexibility during tumor resections. Methods We performed 50 free flap head and neck reconstructions in 978 patients from June 2015 to September 2018. For reconstructing bone defects, our flap of choice was the free fibula. The surgical outcomes and complications according to flap were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Results The overall flap success rate was 98.1%. A total of 45 cases required emergency surgical re-exploration for compromised flaps and 19 of these flaps could not be salvaged. Venous insufficiency was the most common cause of surgical re-exploration. Flaps with delayed arterial thrombosis and vascular compression could not be salvaged. Other complications were partial flap necrosis, oro-cutaneous fistula, and donor site complications. No statistically significant differences were noted for complications in elderly and post-radiotherapy patients. Conclusions Free flap reconstruction is a robust and highly reliable option for head and neck defects and free flaps are a safe option for treating large defects. A second free flap should be the first choice in failed cases after the medical optimization of the patient. Free flap reconstruction is safe in elderly and post-radiotherapy patients.

The Application of Augmented Reality Technology in Free Flap Reconstruction: Is It Helpful? – a Systematic Review

The Application of Augmented Reality Technology in Free Flap Reconstruction: Is It Helpful? – a Systematic Review

Association between Preoperative Blood Glucose Level and Hospital Length of Stay for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Tumor Resection, Neck Dissection and Free Flap Reconstruction

Association between Preoperative Blood Glucose Level and Hospital Length of Stay for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Tumor Resection, Neck Dissection and Free Flap Reconstruction

Background Factors Associated with Postoperative Complications in Patients with Advanced Hypopharyngeal Cancers Undergoing Total Pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy Followed by Free Jejunal Flap Reconstruction

AbstractWe retrospectively analyzed background factors associated with postoperative complications in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancers who underwent total pharyngolaryngectomy followed by free jejunal flap reconstruction. A total of 23 participants, including 21 men and 2 women aged 49 to 83 years (average 72.3 years) were enrolled in this study. Mild and moderate/severe complications occurred in five and seven cases, respectively. The most common complication was stricture of the esophagojejunal anastomosis (nine cases). Other complications included two tracheostomal stenosis, one each for pneumonia and chyle leakage. The free jejunal flap survived in all cases. The disease-free survival rate was 47.8% at 52 weeks after surgery. The platelet count was significantly lower (18.8 ± 1.9 × 104/mL vs. 27.7 ± 1.8 × 104/mL; p = 0.008) in patients with moderate/severe complications than in those without. The percentage of stage IV cases and intraoperative blood loss tended to be higher in patients with complications than in those without. Knowledge of these potential risk factors for the development of postoperative complications to satisfactorily manage the clinical course of patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancers is necessary.

The Free Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap for Microsurgical Reconstruction of Limbs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Flap Characteristics and Outcomes

The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) continues to gain popularity. Providing a versatile, thin and pliable alternative for commonly used workhorse flaps, it can be used to reconstruct extremities, with reduced donor site morbidity. This meta-analysis was conducted to analyse the current literature to help identify flap characteristics and outcomes. A systematic review was performed following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and a literature search was conducted using Medline, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library. The aim was to identify the outcomes of free MSAP flap reconstructions of upper and lower limb defects over a 10-year period from January 2010 to July 2020. The data was then tabulated and a meta-analysis was carried out. A total of 11 studies for lower limbs and 7 studies for upper limbs were reviewed and analysed with a total number of 257 patients. Limb reconstructions were primarily due to trauma. The most common site of reconstruction of the upper limb was the hand or wrist and the lower limb was the ankle or feet. The mean length of the flap was 9.6 cm. The mean width was 5.4 cm. The mean pedicle length was 9.7 cm. The mean flap thickness was noted as 5.9 mm. The number of perforators was an average of 1.5. The pedicle’s mean arterial diameter was 1.9 mm (mean) and the vein’s mean arterial diameter was 2.9 mm. 80% of donor sites were closed directly. Overall, the flap success rate was 98%. Our results find the MSAP flap to be a versatile, reliable, functionally and aesthetically good reconstructive option for both lower and upper limb defects with low donor site morbidity.

Thrombotic Consequences of COVID-19 Infection on Autologous Free Flap Reconstruction

Thrombotic Consequences of COVID-19 Infection on Autologous Free Flap Reconstruction

Single service otolaryngology head and neck surgery free flap reconstruction of head and neck ablative defects—a retrospective single centre review of our initial 6-year experience

Single service otolaryngology head and neck surgery free flap reconstruction of head and neck ablative defects—a retrospective single centre review of our initial 6-year experience

Does Controlled Gradually Increased Venous Pressure Exposure (Dangling) of the Lower Leg after Free Flap Reconstruction Reduce Partial Flap Loss? A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Does Controlled Gradually Increased Venous Pressure Exposure (Dangling) of the Lower Leg after Free Flap Reconstruction Reduce Partial Flap Loss? A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

A Descriptive Analysis of Facial Nerve Grafting Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Free Flap Reconstruction.

A Descriptive Analysis of Facial Nerve Grafting Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Free Flap Reconstruction.

Tumor Bed Margins Versus Specimen Margins in Oral Cavity Cancer: Too Close to Call?

The routine assessment of intraoperative margins has long been the standard of care for oral cavity cancers. However, there is a controversy surrounding the best method for sampling surgical margins. The aim of our study is to determine the precision of a new technique for sampling tumor bed margins (TBMs), to evaluate the impact on survival and the rate of free flap reconstructions. This retrospective cohort study involved 156 patients with primary cancer of the tongue or floor of the mouth who underwent surgery as initial curative treatment. Patients were separated into 2 groups: one using an oriented TBM derived from Mohs' technique, where the margins are taken from the tumor bed and identified with Vicryl sutures on both the specimen and the tumor bed, and the other using a specimen margins (SMs) driven technique, where the margins are taken from the specimen after the initial resection. Clinicopathologic features, including margin status, were compared for both groups and correlated with locoregional control. Precision of per-operative TBM sampling method was obtained. A total of 156 patients were included in the study, of which 80 were in TBM group and 76 were in SM group. Precision analysis showed that the oriented TBM technique pertained a 50% sensitivity, 96.6% specificity, 80% positive predictive value, and an 87.5% negative predictive value. Survival analysis revealed nonstatistically significant differences in both local control (86.88% vs 83.50%; P = .81) as well as local-regional control (82.57% vs 72.32%; P = .21). There was a significant difference in the rate of free flap-surgeries between the 2 groups (30% vs 64.5%; P < .001). Our described oriented TBM technique has demonstrated reduced risk of free flap reconstructive surgery, increased precision, and similar prognostic in terms of local control, locoregional control, and disease-free survival when compared to the SM method.

Optimizing Length of Stay after Abdominally Based Autologous Breast Free-Flap Reconstruction: An Analysis of 4,582 Flaps

Optimizing Length of Stay after Abdominally Based Autologous Breast Free-Flap Reconstruction: An Analysis of 4,582 Flaps

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.

Trends in free flap reconstruction of the head and neck: a single surgeon series of 1027 free tissue transfers.

Free tissue transfer has fundamentally changed head and neck surgery, enabling reliable reconstruction of large defects with better function and aesthetics. This study assesses two decades of trends in free flap reconstruction, and how disease incidence, survival, surgeon caseload, team approach, and technology have impacted practice. Retrospective analysis of 1027 head and neck free flaps from 2006 to 2022. Outcomes examined include chronological changes in flap selection, indication, length of stay, incorporation of virtual surgical planning (VSP), annual caseload, survival, and their associations with the single versus multi-team approach. There were 764 soft-tissue and 263 osseous reconstructions utilizing 21 different flaps. Anterolateral thigh and radial forearm accounted for 76.7% of soft tissue flaps, with recent increase in superficial circumflex iliac perforator flaps in young patients. Osseous flap proportion remained stable, but fibula flaps increased five-fold with more VSP, dental implants, oral cancer, and multi-team surgery. Outcomes such as complication rates, length of stay and disease specific/overall survival have improved over time despite increasing complexity (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in operative time, complication rate, or disease specific/overall survival between single team or multi-team approaches (P = 0.45, P = 0.054, P = 0.57, and P = 0.60, respectively). Single and multi-team approaches may have similar fundamental outcomes, but as caseload, complexity, and life-expectancy increases, both patients and surgeons benefit from a collaborative multi-team approach that focuses on improving long-term functional outcomes.

Giant Cell Tumor of Mandible : A Case Report.

Giant cell tumor is locally aggressive primary benign neoplasm of bone with tendency of frequent recurrence, metastasis and malignant transformation. Because of the rarity of the disease involving mandible, no definite treatment guideline is established. Surgical treatment is the treatment of choice for giant cell tumor. Due to its proximity to vital structures including skull base, the recurrent disease associated with less invasive procedure could be difficult to manage while more invasive procedure will result in higher morbidity and complex reconstruction. Medical management with denosumab or zoledronic acid has been advocated in surgically unresectable disease. We present a rare case of giant cell tumor of mandible. Patient was a 33 years old lady who presented with gradually progressive painful swelling in chin. After exclusion of distant metastasis by F-18 FDG PET scan, she underwent en-bloc resection of the tumor with free fibula flap reconstruction. During 6 months of follow up visit patient had no recurrence.

The Role of Intraoperative and Early Postoperative Blood Pressure Variations, Fluid Balance and Inotropics in Fibula Free Flap Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Retrospective Analysis.

In head and neck reconstructive surgery, postoperative complications are a well-known concern. We examined 46 patients who underwent ablative surgery and received fibula free flap reconstruction. The main focus was to assess the influence of intraoperative blood pressure fluctuations and the administration of inotropic drugs on complications, either related to the flap or systemic, serving as the primary endpoint. Utilizing logistic regression models, we identified that intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) drops did not correlate with the occurrence of either flap-related complications (MAP < 70, p = 0.79; MAP < 65, p = 0.865; MAP < 60, p = 0.803; MAP < 55, p = 0.937) or systemic medical complications (MAP < 70, p = 0.559; MAP < 65, p = 0.396; MAP < 60, p = 0.211; MAP < 55, p = 0.936). The occurrence of flap-related complications significantly increased if a higher dosage of dobutamine was administered (median 27.5 (IQR 0-47.5) vs. 62 (38-109) mg, p = 0.019) but not if norepinephrine was administered (p = 0.493). This correlation was especially noticeable given the uptick in complications associated with fluid overload (3692 (3101-4388) vs. 4859 (3555-6216) mL, p = 0.026). Intraoperative and immediate postoperative blood pressure fluctuations are common but are not directly associated with flap-related complications; however, dobutamine application as well as fluid overload may impact flap-specific complications.

Virtual Surgical Planning Facilitates Surgical Resection in Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis and Optimize Reconstructive Outcomes

Background: Mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a devastating complication of radiotherapy for oropharyngeal malignancy. Despite advancements in ORN treatment, risk of ORN recurrence remains high following surgical resection. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) for ORN treatment is an evolving application that may not only inform bony reconstruction but also therapeutic surgical margins, which remain inconclusively defined in the literature. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 25 cases in which patients underwent VSP-guided resection of mandibular ORN followed by immediate free fibula flap reconstruction. Surgical margins of 1-cm from radiologically evident disease were taken. VSP accuracy was quantified by comparing measured anatomic parameters between the virtually planned outcomes and the final outcomes on postoperative imaging. Statistical analyses were performed to assess associations between preoperative factors and postoperative complications including ORN recurrence. Results: The mandibular body was most frequently affected by ORN in this series of patients. Among risk factors, only the presence of a preoperative orocutaneous fistula was predictive of a complication, specifically partial flap failure (β = 1.41; P = .013). Intended anatomic parameters were achieved with the exception of the intergonial distance (x difference = 0.53 cm; P = .03). Finally, there were no cases of ORN recurrence after a mean follow-up of 27.4 months. Conclusions: VSP of free fibula flaps for mandibular reconstruction following ORN is a valid tool for effecting accurate anatomical outcomes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a 1-cm margin around radiographically evident ORN may effectively implement a curative outcome free from relapse.

Factors Predicting Discharge Disposition Following Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction.

Patients undergoing head and neck free flap reconstruction (HNFFR) may have significant change to their baseline functional status requiring inpatient rehabilitation (IPR) after discharge. We sought to identify patient/procedure characteristics predictive of discharge destination. Patients undergoing elective HNFFR between July 2017 and July 2022 were reviewed for discharge destination. Those discharged to IPR versus home were compared across patient/procedure characteristics and physical/occupational therapy metrics. Significance was assessed via bivariate and multivariable analyses. Of the 531 patients, 102 (19.2%) required IPR postoperatively. Patients discharged to IPR versus home were significantly older (70.1 [11.6] vs. 64.1 [13.1] years; p < 0.001) and more likely to lack family assistance (26.5% vs. 8.6%; p < 0.001), require baseline assistance for activities of daily living (ADLs) (31.4% vs. 9.8%; p < 0.001), have baseline cognitive dysfunction (15.7% vs. 6.1%; p = 0.001), were more likely to have neoplasm as the surgical indication for HNFFR (89.2% vs. 80.0%; p = 0.033) and more likely to have a tracheostomy postop (62.7% vs. 51.7%), and had a significantly longer length of stay (11.2 [8.0] vs. 6.8 [8.3] days; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in gender, donor site, use of tube feeds, and use of assistive devices between the two groups. Following logistic regression, the strongest predictors of discharge to IPR include lack of family assistance (OR = 3.8; p < 0.001) and baseline assistance for ADLs (OR = 4.0, p < 0.001). Certain patient factors predict the need for discharge to rehab after HNFFR. Perioperative identification of these factors may facilitate patient counseling and discharge planning with potential to reduce hospital length of stay and further optimize patient care. III Laryngoscope, 134:2721-2725, 2024.

Risk Factors for Pulmonary Complications After Major Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery With Free Flap Reconstruction.

Background Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are common and result in increased morbidity and mortality. A variable incidence of PPCs has been reported in patients who have undergone major oral and maxillofacial surgery with free flap reconstruction, which is one of the most extensive forms of head and neck cancer surgery, and perioperative risk factors for PPCs in these patients have not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, the ARISCAT (Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia) score and Gupta risk index have not been investigated in patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery. This study aimed to identify perioperative risk factors for PPCs after major oral and maxillofacial surgery with free flap reconstruction. Methodology This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 118 patients who had undergone major oral and maxillofacial surgery with free flap reconstruction between 2009 and 2020. PPCs were defined as pneumonia, hypoxemia caused by atelectasis, pleural effusion, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary edema, bronchospasm, pneumothorax, and acute respiratory failure. Predictors of PPCs were identified in univariate and multiple Poisson regression analyses. Results The incidence of PPCs was 18.6% (22/118 patients). The most frequent PPC was pneumonia. No preoperative patient-related parameter was identified to predict PPCs. In univariate analysis, the only predictor was anesthesia time ≥1,140 minutes (odds ratio = 3.0, p = 0.036). Multivariable Poisson regression identified two independent predictors of PPCs, namely, anesthesia time ≥1,140 minutes (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-4.3, p = 0.024) and a large amount of intraoperative fluid (IRR = 1.00018, 95% CI = 1.000018-1.000587, p = 0.037). Conclusions Patients undergoing major oral and maxillofacial surgery with free flap reconstruction are at high risk of PPCs. Longer anesthesia time and administering a large amount of fluid during surgery were significantly correlated with the risk of PPCs.