Myocutaneous Island Flap Research Articles

Trapezius Island Myocutaneous Flap for Head, Neck, and Facial Reconstruction in Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Plexiform Neurofibromas.

Reconstruction of significant soft tissue defects in the head and neck region after resection of extensive plexiform neurofibromas, as well as preservation and restoration of cosmetic and functional aspects, presents a considerable challenge. The purpose is to evaluate the feasibility of eTMF in repairing substantial defects after the complete resection of NF1 PN. Patients diagnosed with substantial neurofibromatosis (NP) type 1 (NF1), according to the revised criteria, underwent complete resection and remodeling of the facial aesthetic unit. An extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap (eTIMF) was used for the defect reconstruction. Perioperative complications were evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo classification. ECOG PS was assessed. Postoperative follow-up at 6 months and completion of UW-QOL. The questionnaire included swallowing, chewing, speech, and quality of life scores. Two patients had pathogenic missense variants: c.5609G>A (p.Arg1870Gln) in exon 38 of NF1 in the first case, and c.4600C>T (p.Arg1534*) in exon 35 in the second case. Two eTMFs were harvested successfully. Five facial esthetic units were remodeled, and 4 units were remodeled. Two extensive tumors were nearly entirely removed. No severe complications were noted. The ECOG PS improved from grade 3 in the first week postsurgery to grade 0 by the eighth week. The UW-QOL results indicated that swallowing, chewing, and speaking functions returned to their preoperative levels, with a 40% improvement in quality of life, reaching 60% and 80%, respectively. eTMF to repair substantial defects following total resection of NF1 PN and facial esthetic unit remodeling enhances appearance, function, and psychosocial outcomes. This technique is safe, efficient, resource-conserving, and simple to implement.

Reconstruction of Upper Extremity Using Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Island Flap and Skin Graft after Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Case Report

Necrotizing fasciitis of the upper extremities is a severe, life-threatening condition, potentially resulting in amputation or death in the absence of prompt and aggressive surgical treatment. Reconstruction is eventually required after adequate surgical debridement, and patients are often referred to a plastic surgeon for this purpose. Herein, we present the case of a patient with extensive soft tissue defects on the upper extremity after fasciotomy for necrotizing fasciitis. We successfully performed a pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous island flap, full-thickness skin graft, and split-thickness skin graft for this patient. After 2 months, the patient did not have any wound problems and could carry out adequate upper extremity motion.

Eyelid Reconstruction: An Algorithm Based on Defect Location.

Eyelid reconstruction is a complex topic. This review looks at articles from 1990 to 2018 on eyelid reconstruction that had at least 10 patients and a mean 6 month follow-up. The authors present the results of our findings and propose an algorithm to guide the surgeon in choosing the best technique based on location, size, and lamella. Defects less than 1/3rd of the upper or lower eyelid may be closed primarily. Anterior and posterior lamella defects of the lower eyelid greater than 1/3rd in size should be reconstructed with a double mucosal and myocutaneous island flap. Those greater than 50% in size should be recreated with a Tripier flap for the anterior lamella and conchal chondroperichondral graft for the posterior lamella. For total lid reconstruction, a Fricke flap is best for the anterior lamella and the tarsoconjunctival free graft/lateral orbital rim periosteal flap is best for the posterior lamella. Fullthickness defects between 1/3rd and 2/3rd in size of the upper eyelid should be reconstructed with a myotarsocutaneous flap and those greater than 2/3rd should be reconstructed with a Cutler-Beard flap for the anterior lamella and auricular cartilage for the posterior lamella. For the medial canthal region, the island pedicle and horizontal cheek advancement flap is recommended for the anterior lamella and a composite upper lid graft for the posterior lamella. For the lateral canthal region, a bilobed flap is recommended for the anterior lamella and a periosteal flap for the posterior lamella.

Coverage of complex tissue defects following open cervicothoracic spine surgery with a lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap\u2014an interdisciplinary approach

The study design is a clinical case series. The objective of this study was to present the concept and efficacy of the lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap (LTIMF) for management of complex wound healing disorders following open cervicothoracic spine surgery. Wound healing disturbances with myocutaneous defects after open spine surgery at the cervical and upper thoracic spine are well-described complications. In severe cases, plastic reconstructive coverage is often required as a last resort. A review of all adult patients with deep wound dehiscence and tissue defects following open cervicothoracic spine surgery, who were managed with plastic surgery reconstruction using a LTIMF at our institution, was conducted. Synopses of these cases are presented. Seven patients with a mean age of 73 years ± 13 (range 50 to 89 years) were included in this case series. Six out of seven patients had instrumented posterior fusion added to their decompression. All patients were managed with a LTIMF for wound coverage. No spinal implants were removed prior to LTIMF surgery. The mean follow-up was 5.2 months (± 5.4 months). No major flap failure occurred, and all patients presented with satisfactory cosmetic results. The only minor complication was development of a sterile subcutaneous seroma in two patients, which were successfully managed by puncture and aspiration. The LTIMF is an effective and reliable salvage treatment option for spine surgery patients offering stable coverage of deep tissue defects resulting from complex wound healing disorders at the cervical and upper thoracic spine.

The LN Flap for Nasal Defect Reconstruction: An 84-case Experience with a Novel Technique.

Background:The nose is a common site for cutaneous malignancy and post-ablative reconstruction. To our knowledge, a myocutaneous island flap based on the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) and nasalis muscles, with vascularity from the lateral nasal and angular arteries, has not been described for reconstruction of the lower lateral nose.Methods:A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent LLSAN-nasalis island flap reconstruction between 2015 and 2019 was performed. The surgical technique involved marking of an inverted-V flap on the nasal sidewall. The skin lateral to the flap was then developed in the subcutaneous plane to expose the LLSAN muscle and divide its origin on the maxillary frontal process and its caudal insertions into the alar dermis. The medial incision was down to periosteum and perichondrium, and dissection beneath the flap separated it from the nasal support structure. The resultant flap had a great caudal mobility. The donor site was closed in a V-to-Y pattern.Results: In total,84 procedures were completed, mostly for alar defects (57.1%) between 100 and 400 mm2 (71.4%). The average age of patients was 74.9 years. An estimated 27 patients were lost to follow-up. At mean follow-up of 24.3 weeks, there were no cases of flap necrosis, 1 case of hematoma (1.8%), 1 case of infection (1.8%), 3 cases of persistent trapdoor deformity (5.3%), and 3 cases of alar notching (5.3%), 1 of whom required revision surgery.Conclusion:The LLSAN-nasalis myocutaneous island flap is a simple, reliable technique for resurfacing lateral lower nasal defects up to 2 × 2 cm.

En bloc resection and reconstruction in patients with advanced recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma and radiation-induced sarcoma of the head and neck

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of patients with advanced recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC) and radiation-induced sarcoma of the head and neck (RISHN) who underwent en bloc resection and reconstruction. Fifty-two patients with advanced rNPC (n=36) and RISHN (n=16) underwent en bloc resection and reconstruction with an extended lower vertical trapezius island myocutaneous flap (TIMF). En bloc resection of the tumour (including craniomaxillofacial resections and neck resections) and major defect restoration was successful in all patients. TIMF survival was 92.3%. Postoperative mild hemiplegia occurred in one patient with rNPC. In total, 20 patients (55.5%) in the rNPC group and seven (43.8%) in the RISHN group recovered with no signs of disease at follow-up. No statistically significant difference in recovery status was observed between the rNPC and RISHN groups. En bloc resection of the tumour, including dissection of the carotid artery, ensured microscopic clearance of the disease; this is a viable treatment option for patients with advanced rNPC or RISHN without distant metastasis. The extended vertical lower TIMF is a large, straightforward, and reliable flap for repairing the resultant major defects in the craniomaxillofacial or neck region.

Superior Extended Nasal Myocutaneous Island Flap: An Alternative to Forehead Flap Reconstruction of the Nose

Importance: Medium and large nasal defects are mostly addressed with paramedian forehead flap reconstruction. The superior extended nasal myocutaneous island (SENMI) flap offers an alternative that can be single stage and can avoid a gross deformity.Objective: To describe a new flap for nasal reconstruction of medium and large nasal defects and to define the flap's limitations and indications.Design, Setting, and Participants: This original study was a retrospective case series of patients who underwent SENMI flap reconstruction from 2008 to 2018 at a private tertiary referral center—Skin Cancer and Reconstructive Surgery Center (SCARS Center). Participants included all consecutive patients of the senior author who had undergone SENMI flap from September 2012 to December 2018, consisting of 53 patients. Indications for surgery were mostly skin cancer defects, postreconstructive, and post-traumatic deformities. IRB approval was obtained from the St. Joseph Health Center for Clinical Research.Main Outcomes and Measures: The location of the defects was defined. The vertical length of flap advancement was measured. Number of stages required to achieve functional and aesthetic goals was reported. Appearance rating after the first stage was assessed.Results: A total of 53 patients [mean age 68 (range 30–92) years; 26 (49%) female and 27 (51%) male] were included in the case series. Reconstructed areas included 8 in the upper two-thirds of the nose (dorsum and sidewall), 34 in nasal tip, 32 in nasal ala, 12 in soft tissue triangle and infratip, and 13 full thickness defects of the alar rim. The flap advancing distance defined the nature of flap mobility. Of 53 patients, 41 had up to 2.0 cm of flap advancement and 12 had 2.0 to 3.2 cm of advancement. Of 52 patients aesthetically evaluated, 43 had mild or no detectable shape deformity on photographic evaluation after one stage. Single stage was performed in 25 patients, two stages in 21 patients, and three stages in 7 patients. Functional nasal valve stenosis was present in 18 patients (33%) after one stage. Partial flap ischemia occurred in two patients (4%).Conclusions and Relevance: SENMI flap is an effective technique for nasal reconstruction. It offers a single- or two-stage alternative with less temporary deformity in comparison with forehead flap reconstruction.

A new method: lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap to repair surgical defect in lateral skull base cancer after radiotherapy

报道改良下位斜方肌岛状肌皮瓣制作修复放疗后侧颅底复发性肿瘤术后缺损1例。患者34岁男性，因"右眼外斜及复视3个月"行增强CT检查发现右侧筛窦、额窦肿物，术后病理证实为鳞状细胞癌，术后肿瘤复发3次，分别利用颞肌瓣、游离股前外侧皮瓣修复缺损，第3次手术游离股前外侧皮瓣出现坏死，行皮瓣切除后创面缺损大，且患者有根治性放疗史，修复难度高，最终选择应用改良下位斜方肌岛状肌皮瓣修复创面。患者术后恢复较快，皮瓣一期愈合，外观较好，肩功能保留完好，术后1年因颅底鳞状细胞癌复发死亡。.

Choice of Regional Flaps for Oral Cancer Defects: Relevance in Current Era.

Microvascular free flaps (MVFF) are the current standard of care for reconstruction of oral ablative defects; however, pedicled myocutaneous flaps (PMCF) are still used widely in India. The rationale behind the preference for selecting PMCF in the present era is not well understood. The associated complications and swallowing outcomes are variable. We retrospectively analysed the records of patients who underwent reconstructive surgery for oral cancer ablative defects over a 3-year period. Ninety-seven pedicled myocutaneous flaps [89 pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flaps, eight lower trapezius island myocutaneous (TMC) flaps] and 113 MVFFs were performed. The reasons for selecting PMCF were financial constraints 38.7%, MVFF salvage 22.5%, medically compromised 10.7%, vessel-depleted neck 6.4%, old age with PS2 + 5.3%, early recurrence 5.3%, borderline resectable 4.3%, palliative resection 2.1%. Overall complication rate was 20.4%. Of patients, 50.7% and 34.7% were on regular and semisolid diet, respectively; 66.6% had acceptable swallowing-related social well-being. PMCFs have an important role in developing countries with patients having financial constraints. The other potential reasons driven by patient factors were discussed. The swallowing outcomes are good, with majority of the people having socially acceptable swallowing function.

Effects of Vasopressors on Circulation of Porcine Abdominal Island Flap Model

OBJECTIVES: During reconstructive surgical procedures, systemic vasopressors are frequently used to maintain normal blood pressure. However, questions have arisen regarding the pharmacologic effects of vasopressors on flap circulation. Many plastic surgeons have expressed concern about the possibility of impaired flap circulation caused by the vasoconstrictive effect of the drugs. However, the opposing argument exists that the increase of mean arterial pressure from vasoactive agents may improve flap perfusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of commonly used vasopressors on flap circulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous island flap was raised in 5 female pigs (38.2~40.7 kg). Hemodynamic parameters were measured continuously by carotid arterial catheter. A bidirectional transonic vascular Doppler flow probe and laser Doppler perfusion monitor unit were applied to record the continuous change of pedicle artery flow and microvascular perfusion following intravenous administration of dopamine (3, 5, 10 μg/kg/min), dobutamine (1.25, 2.5, 5 μg/kg/min), and norepinephrine (0.05, 0.1, 0.2 μg/kg/min). RESULTS: Both microvascular perfusion and pedicle flow were generally proportional to mean arterial pressure, and all the 3 vasopressors improved flap perfusion and pedicle flow without deleterious effect. Norepinephrine showed that the highest microvascular perfusion and dobutamine showed the highest pedicle flow rate. Mean blood pressure was the only statistically significant factor that affects both microvascular perfusion and pedicle flow (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly suggest that the foremost 3 vasopressors can be used for flap surgery without deterioration, and maintaining adequate systemic blood pressure is crucial for good flap circulation.

Use of a Lateral Extended Nasal Island Flap for Nasal Reconstruction.

Small and medium nasal defects of the nose have been treated mostly with local skin flaps and skin grafts producing variable aesthetic outcomes. The lateral extended nasal island (LENI) myocutaneous flap provides a reliable single-stage reconstruction for small to medium nasal defects, including those in the nasal tip, with excellent cosmetic results. To describe and define a new version of the lateral nasal island flap for small to medium nasal defects. This retrospective case series included all patients who had undergone reconstruction with the lateral nasal island flaps and LENI flaps from October 2009 to July 2018 with 97 consecutive cases studied. Indications for surgery were mostly skin cancer defects. The analysis was performed from January 1, 2018, through December 15, 2018. The location and the size of the defects were defined. Number of stages required to achieve functional and aesthetic goals was reported. Appearance rating after the first stage was assessed. The case series included 82 patients (mean age, 64 years [range, 31-90 years]; 36 [43%] women and 46 [57%] men). These 82 patients' flaps qualified as the LENI flap. Of these, 54 (65%) were used for nasal tip reconstruction. The flap advancing distance ranged from 0.7 cm to 1.8 cm (mean advancing distance, 1.2 cm). Of 67 patients with available postoperative photographic documentation, 44 had mild or undetectable signs of reconstruction, 21 had visible scars, and 3 had obvious deformities. A single-stage procedure was performed in 66 cases, 2 stages in 15 cases, and 3 stages in 2 cases. The LENI myocutaneous flap is a reliable technique for reconstruction of nasal defects up to 1.8 cm. The extended dissection and release of the flap at piriform aperture achieves the predictable outcome and separates it from the previously described lateral nasal island flaps. 4.

Effects of vasopressors on circulation in the porcine abdominal island flap model

During reconstructive surgical procedures, systemic vasopressors are frequently used to maintain normal blood pressure. However, questions have arisen regarding the pharmacologic effects of vasopressors on flap circulation. Many plastic surgeons have expressed concern about the possibility of impaired flap circulation caused by the vasoconstrictive effect of the drugs. However, the opposing argument exists that the increase in mean arterial pressure from vasoactive agents may improve flap perfusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of commonly used vasopressors on flap circulation. The vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) island flap was raised in five female pigs (38.2∼40.7 kg). Hemodynamic parameters were measured continuously by a carotid arterial catheter. A bi-directional transonic vascular doppler flow probe and Laser Doppler perfusion monitor (LDPM) unit were applied to record the continuous change in pedicle artery flow and microvascular perfusion following intravenous administration of dopamine (3, 5, 10µg/kg/minute), dobutamine (1.25, 2.5, 5µg/kg/minute), and norepinephrine (0.05, 0.1, 0.2µg/kg/minute). Both microvascular perfusion and pedicle flow were generally proportional to the mean arterial pressure, and all three vasopressors improved flap perfusion and pedicle flow without deleterious effects. Norepinephrine showed the highest microvascular perfusion and dobutamine showed the highest pedicle flow rate. The mean blood pressure was the only statistically significant factor to affect both microvascular perfusion and pedicle flow (p<0.0001). Our results strongly suggest that the foremost three vasopressors can be used for flap surgery without deterioration, and that the maintenance of adequate systemic blood pressure is crucial for good flap circulation.

Comparison of the reconstruction of through-and-through cheek defects involving the labial commissure following tumor resection using four types of local and pedicle flaps

BackgroundThe reconstruction of through-and-through cheek defects involving the labial commissure following cancer ablation is a surgical challenge.MethodsThis study evaluated 35 patients with buccal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) involving the labial commissure who underwent Abbe–Estlander (A-EF), folded extended supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island (SFIF), folded pectoralis major muscle (PMMF), or folded extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous (TIMF) flap reconstruction of through-and-through cheek defects involving the labial commissure following radical resection.ResultsThe A-EF and SFIF groups differed significantly (P < 0.05) from the PMMF and TIMF groups in terms of tumor clinical stage and type of treatment. The inner PMMF (median 6.3 × 4.5) and TIMF (median 9.8 × 6.7) skin paddle dimensions were larger than those of the A-EF (median 1.8 × 2.2) and SFIF (median 5.5 × 4.3) groups (P < 0.05). The outer PMMF (median 6.3 × 6.6) and TIMF (median 9.8 × 13.2) dimensions were larger than those of the A-EF (median 1.8 × 3.8) and SFIF (median 5.5 × 4.6) groups (P < 0.05). The esthetic results, orbicularis oris function, and speech function were significantly (P < 0.05) better in the A-EF group than in the SFIF, PMMF, and TIMF groups. The patients were followed for 6–38 months (median 26.8, 25.0, 22.1, and 20.8 months in the A-EF, SFIF, PMMF, and TIMF groups, respectively). At the final follow-up, 4 (80.0%) patients in the A-EF, 7 (87.5%) in the SFIF, 5 (55.6%) in the PMMF, and 5 (38.4%) in the TIMF groups were alive with no disease; 1 (20.0%), 1 (22.2%), 2 (22.2%), and 4 (30.8%) patients, respectively, were alive with disease; and 2 (22.2%) patients in the PMMF and 4 (30.8%) in the TIMF group had died of local recurrence or distant metastases at between 9 and 38 months. There was a significant survival difference in the A-EF and SFIF groups compared with the PMMF and TIMF groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe A-EF is suitable for reconstructing defects of clinical stage II disease; the SFIF for clinical stage II or III disease; the PMMF for clinical stage III or IV; and the TIMF for clinical stage rCS III or rCS IV disease.

Use of a folded extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap to repair large pharyngocutaneous fistulae developing after salvage total laryngectomy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of surgery involving the use of folded trapezius flaps to repair large pharyngocutaneous fistulae (PCFs) developing after salvage total laryngectomy. Folded extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous flaps (TIMFs) were created to repair large PCFs that developed after salvage total laryngectomy in eight patients. The maximum fistula dimension was 4.5×3.0cm and the minimum was 2.0×1.8cm. The skin paddle of the extended vertical TIMF ranged from 5cm to 9cm in width and 10cm to 23cm in length. The inner lining ranged from 3cm×3cm to 6cm×6cm in dimension and the outer lining from 6cm×5cm to 16cm×9cm. The folded flaps provided both inner mucosa and outer lining. All flaps survived. No fistula recurrence or stricture developed. After 6–24months of follow-up, six patients showed no evidence of disease, one was alive with disease, and one had died of local recurrence at 20months. The folded flap was very reliable and is well-suited for repairing large PCFs, even early large PCFs and those featuring carotid artery rupture.

Ostrvasti miokutani medijalni gastroknemijus režanj u rekonstrukciji kolena i proksimalnog dela potkolenice

Ostrvasti miokutani medijalni gastroknemijus režanj u rekonstrukciji kolena i proksimalnog dela potkolenice

Craniofacial resection and reconstruction in patients with recurrent cancer involving the craniomaxillofacial region

Purpose Head and neck tumors that involve the craniomaxillofacial region are classified as stage IVb disease and are clinically challenging. In this study, the outcomes of craniofacial resection and craniofacial reconstruction in patients with recurrent malignant tumors involving the craniomaxillofacial region were evaluated. Patients and Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2008 to August 2015. Data collected for each patient included age, gender, tumor site, initial treatment, craniofacial resection, reconstruction flaps and complications after craniofacial resection, adjuvant treatment, and reported outcomes of craniofacial resection and craniofacial reconstruction. The χ2 test in SPSS was used to analyze the data. Results Twenty-four patients with recurrent malignant tumors involving the craniomaxillofacial region were identified who had undergone craniofacial resection at the Center of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, Guangdong, China). The study population was comprised of 24 patients (15 men and 9 women; age range, 21 to 73 yr) with recurrent tumors (58.3% with squamous cell carcinoma [SCC], 41.7% with sarcoma [SA]) involving the craniomaxillofacial region who underwent craniofacial resection. Craniofacial resection consisted of orbital exenteration and maxillotomy; anterior skull base surgery, facial resection, and mandibulotomy; or ipsilateral radical neck dissection. The resultant craniomaxillofacial defects were reconstructed using extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous flaps (TIMFs), temporalis myofascial flaps, or submental flaps. All patients with recurrent malignant tumor involving the craniomaxillofacial region underwent gross total resection of the tumor; 22 patients underwent craniofacial reconstruction. There were no major surgical complications. Minor flap failure and wound dehiscence in the donor site occurred in 4 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 36 months. Seven patients in the SCC group and 7 in the SA group were alive with no evidence of disease (AND), 3 in the SCC group and 2 in the SA group were alive with disease (AWD), and 4 in the SCC and 1 in the SA group died of the disease (DOD) after local recurrence or distant metastases at 8 to 18 months. There were no statistical differences among the AND, AWD, and DOD groups. Conclusions Craniofacial resection remains an effective salvage treatment for patients with recurrent SCC and SA involving the craniomaxillofacial region. The extended vertical lower TIMF is a large, simple, and reliable flap for reconstructing major defects after a craniofacial resection.

Levator alae nasi muscle V–Y island flap for nasal tip reconstruction

Nasal tip reconstruction can be very challenging. It requires close attention to skin texture, colour and thickness matching, with the respect of the nasal aesthetic units and symmetry. Flaps are usually preferred to skin grafts where possible. Based on different donor areas, various flaps have been described for reconstruction of this region. Here we present a new V–Y myocutaneous island flap based on the levator alae nasi muscle (LAN muscle) blood supply. This flap may represent an alternative to the nasalis myocutaneous sliding V–Y flap previously described by Rybka. As its pivot point it is located more cranially than the nasalis flap, and it can advance more medially than the Rybka flap, with the possibility of covering larger defects of the nasal tip area, up to 1.8 cm in diameter. Over the past 5 years, 24 patients received nasal tip reconstruction with this flap following the resection of basal cell carcinomas. Good tip projection was maintained, and the aesthetic outcome was satisfactory, with well healed scars. We recommend this technique as an alternative to other flaps for nasal tip defects, especially if paramedian.

Craniofacial Resection and Reconstruction in Patients With Recurrent Cancer Involving the Craniomaxillofacial Region

Head and neck tumors that involve the craniomaxillofacial region are classified as stage IVb disease and are clinically challenging. In this study, the outcomes of craniofacial resection and craniofacial reconstruction in patients with recurrent malignant tumors involving the craniomaxillofacial region were evaluated. This retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2008 to August 2015. Data collected for each patient included age, gender, tumor site, initial treatment, craniofacial resection, reconstruction flaps and complications after craniofacial resection, adjuvant treatment, and reported outcomes of craniofacial resection and craniofacial reconstruction. The χ2 test in SPSS was used to analyze the data. Twenty-four patients with recurrent malignant tumors involving the craniomaxillofacial region were identified who had undergone craniofacial resection at the Center of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, Guangdong, China). The study population was comprised of 24 patients (15 men and 9 women; age range, 21 to 73yr) with recurrent tumors (58.3% with squamous cell carcinoma [SCC], 41.7% with sarcoma [SA]) involving the craniomaxillofacial region who underwent craniofacial resection. Craniofacial resection consisted of orbital exenteration and maxillotomy; anterior skull base surgery, facial resection, and mandibulotomy; or ipsilateral radical neck dissection. The resultant craniomaxillofacial defects were reconstructed using extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous flaps (TIMFs), temporalis myofascial flaps, or submental flaps. All patients with recurrent malignant tumor involving the craniomaxillofacial region underwent gross total resection of the tumor; 22 patients underwent craniofacial reconstruction. There were no major surgical complications. Minor flap failure and wound dehiscence in the donor site occurred in 4 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 36months. Seven patients in the SCC group and 7 in the SA group were alive with no evidence of disease (AND), 3 in the SCC group and 2 in the SA group were alive with disease (AWD), and 4 in the SCC and 1 in the SA group died of the disease (DOD) after local recurrence or distant metastases at 8 to 18months. There were no statistical differences among the AND, AWD, and DOD groups. Craniofacial resection remains an effective salvage treatment for patients with recurrent SCC and SA involving the craniomaxillofacial region. The extended vertical lower TIMF is a large, simple, and reliable flap for reconstructing major defects after a craniofacial resection.

Efficacy of the treatment of pharyngeal fistula through pectoralis major myocutaneous flap combined with fistula local skin inversion in 20 cases

To sum up the efficacy of treatment of pharyngeal fistula through pectoralis major myocutaneous flap combined with fistula local skin inversion in 20 patients. A retrospective analysis of the therapeutic efficacy in 20 cases of laryngeal and laryngopharyngeal cancer with postoperative pharyngeal fistula, to whom double-deck repairing were operated on through pectoralis major myocutaneous island flap combined with inversion of skin around fistula from January 2010 to December 2013. 20 patients were treated by improved pharyngeal fistula inverting suture of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap combined with the skin around the pharyngeal fistula. Flap around the fistula were sutured without tension formation. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps were sutured without tension formation covering the inner flanging flap wound. 20 patients were on a nasogastric liquid diet after operation for one week and received antibiotics to prevent infection. Then they all took liquid diet after one week, and had extubation safely later. Stitches were removed 10 more days later. All the twenty patients were recovered successfully, among them, 16 cases recovered in stage Ⅰ and left the hospital 10 days later, 4 cases recovered in stage Ⅱ and left the hospital 20 days later. All the 4 cases recovered in stage Ⅱ were treated with radiotherapy. Fistulas less than 1 cm occurred near their anastomotic stomas at 7 to 14 days after operation. They were healed well by dressing change and pressure dressing. No recurrence was observed during the six months follow-up. Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap combined with fistula local skin inversion is a good way to repair pharyngeal fistula, and it is suitable for the laryngeal and laryngopharynx cancer patients with postoperative throat fistula in an internal diameter larger than 2 cm.

The Current Role of Salvage-Surgery of Recurrent Tumors in the Larynx and Pharynx

Over the past 20 years, the therapeutic concepts for the treatment of head and neck cancer have evolved and non-surgical treatment strategies have gained in importance. However, despite improved organ preservation protocols and primary chemoradiation, tumor recurrence is still frequent. Under these conditions, salvage surgery if often the only remaining curative treatment option. Over the past 30 years, advancements in plastic-reconstructive surgery have broadened the surgical spectrum in the head and neck area, offering new treatment options for salvage surgery in recurrent cancer of the pharynx and larynx. Survival after salvage surgery mainly depends on the primary treatment modality as well as the localization and tumor stage at the time of initial diagnosis and local recurrence. For the reconstruction of defects after salvage surgery, pedicled flaps and microvascular free flaps may be utilized. The most frequently used flaps in these situations are the pectoralis major island- or the myocutaneous latissimus dorsi island flap. The radial forearm and the ALT-flap are potentially applicable free flaps. With the use of these flaps, vital tissue is transferred into the previously irradiated area, hereby allowing for reconstruction and functional preservation of the resected area and preventing complications such as fistulas. The expected morbidity and the likelihood of surgical success must be assessed thoroughly in every individual case prior to performing salvage surgery. This review aims to support decision making in these situations.