Recipient Site Complications Research Articles

Restoring Form and Function: The Role of Free Dermal Fat Graft (FDFG) in Post-Parotidectomy Reconstruction. A Systematic Review and meta-analysis of expected outcomes and patient satisfaction.

PurposeThis study aims to assess the outcomes of free dermal fat graft (FDFG) reconstruction following parotidectomy, evaluating both clinical complications and patient satisfaction with the procedure. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines, searching MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies reporting on FDFG outcomes post-parotidectomy. Eligible studies included single-arm studies with data on recipient and donor site complications as well as patient satisfaction. Pooled complication rates were analyzed using a random-effects model to account for study heterogeneity. ResultsA total of 20 studies, representing 922 reconstructions in 919 patients, were included in the analysis. The overall rates of recipient site complications were low, with hematoma observed in 1.31% (95% CI: 0.50-3.34) and infection in 1.84% (95% CI: 0.95-3.53) of cases. The incidence of Frey's syndrome was 1.95% (95% CI: 0.74-5.02), and fat necrosis was noted in 1.74% (95% CI: 0.57-5.23) of patients. Donor site complications were minimal, with hematoma, infection, and seroma rates each below 1%. While there was high variability in satisfaction measures, results indicated favorable patient satisfaction with FDFG outcomes. ConclusionFDFG reconstruction following parotidectomy is a safe and effective method for correcting contour deformities, showing minimal complications and high patient satisfaction. The low incidence of complications, including Frey's syndrome, underscores FDFG as a viable option for facial contour restoration in parotid surgery, providing favorable aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Evaluation of the success of anterior iliac crest harvested bone graft in reconstruction of different jaw defects: a retrospective study

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success of bone grafts obtained from the anterior iliac crest, the recipient and donor site complications in the reconstruction of jaw defects caused by different etiologies in maxillofacial surgery. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University between 2012-2022. It included patients with iliac crest harvested bone grafts due to jaw defect with full records. The primary predictive variable was the type of jaw defect. The primary outcomes were the presence of complications at donor and recipient sites. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and type of complications at donor and recipient sites. The obtained data were analyzed with Kruskal Wallis Test, Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: This study included 104 (44 female, 60 male) patients. Complication rate was 21.15%. There was no statistically significant relationship between the type of jaw defect and the success of iliac bone grafts (p=0.257). The most common recipient site complication was resorption in alveolar atrophy groups, the dehiscence in alveolar cleft groups, infection in other reason groups. There was no statistically significant relationship between type of jaw defect and complication types (p=0.524). Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate that general success rate was 78.85% in jaw reconstruction with anterior iliac crest harvested bone grafts. The major complication rate causing total graft loss was 13.46%. There was no statistically significant relationship between the type of jaw defect and the success of iliac bone grafts.

Conventional suspension delivery versus tattooing pen-assistedsuspension delivery in non-cultured epidermal cell suspension procedure for vitiligo: A randomized controlled trial.

Non-cultured epidermal suspension (NCES) is one of the most widely used surgical therapy for stable vitiligo patients in which recipient size preparation plays an important role in the outcome of NCES. The primary objective is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of conventional suspension delivery after manual dermabrasion (CSMD) versus tattooing pen-assisted suspension delivery (TPSD) in NCES. Paired vitiligo units (VU) in 36 patients, matched with respect to size and location were divided into two groups. The VU in Group 1 underwent suspension delivery by CSMD while the VU in Group 2 underwent same by TPSD. All the VU were followed up at regular intervals until 24 weeks. At the end of 24 weeks, 31 VU (86.1%) in Group 1 achieved >75% repigmentation which was significantly higher (p = .02, chi-square test) as compared to 22 VU (61.1%) in Group 2. The color matching in both the groups VU was also comparable (p = .84, chi-square test). The patient global assessment (PGA) was significantly higher in Group 1 VU as compared to Group 2. Treatment response in terms of repigmentation and PGA was significantly better in VU treated with CSMD as compared to TPSD. Recipient site complications were seen more commonly in Group 1 VU as compared to Group 2. Perilesional halo at the recipient site was seen in none of the VU in Group 2 which was significantly lower than 6 VU in Group 1 than (p = .02, chi-square test). Better results may be possible with technical improvisations in tattooing pen needle diameter and depth of penetration.

The role of platelet rich plasma enriched fat graft for correction of deformities after conservative breast surgery.

Fat transfer has been widely used after breast conservative surgery (BCS) where it aims to recover shapes as a simple, inexpensive, biocompatible method but the technique is not without complications. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a promising approach to enhance fat graft survival and subsequently improve the outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of enriching fat graft with PRP for delayed correction of deformities after conservative surgery for breast cancer regarding esthetic outcome and incidence of complications. The current study included 50 female patients who were scheduled for delayed lipofilling for correction of deformities after conservative surgery for breast cancer. The studied patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups: Group I (G I) included 25 patients scheduled for PRP enriched lipoinjection and Group II (G II) included 25 patients scheduled for lipoinjection without PRP as a control group. Number of sessions of lipoinjection was significantly less in G I in comparison to G II (P =0.024). During the 2nd session; the amounts of fat injected and harvested were significantly less in G I in comparison to G II (P =0.049 and 0.001 respectively). Recipient site complications were significantly more evident in G II in comparison to G I (P =0.01). Surgeon and patient satisfactions were significantly more evident in GI in comparison to G II (P =0.005 and 0.029 respectively). The addition of PRP to fat grafts is a simple, cost-effective and safe method to improve esthetic outcome and decrease complications.

Noncultured Trypsinized Epidermal Cell Suspension Transplantation After Cryoblebbling Versus Noncultured Nontrypsinized Epidermal Cell Graft Homogenized With Plasma Gel After Dermabrasion for Stable Vitiligo.

Vitiligo treatment is challenging, especially for resistant and stable vitiligo, which requires surgical management. Noncultured epidermal cell suspension has been modified to enhance the treatment outcomes. Comparison of autologous noncultured trypsinized epidermal cell suspension in recipient site prepared by cryoblebbling and noncultured nontrypsinized epidermal cell graft homogenized with plasma gel in recipient site prepared by dermabrasion for stable vitiligo treatment. Interventional comparative study on 30 patients with stable vitiligo, randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Group A: noncultured trypsinized epidermal cell suspension for recipient prepared by cryoblebbling. Group B: noncultured nontrypsinized epidermal cell graft homogenized with plasma gel for recipient prepared by dermabrasion. Afterward, both groups received 3 months of narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy. The plasma gel group showed a significantly earlier onset of repigmentation and faster healing ( p = .002* and <.001*, respectively). Overall, repigmentation was higher in the plasma gel group ( p = .037* at the end of the second month). Color matching and patient satisfaction were higher in the plasma gel group, without statistical significance. The cryobleb group showed more recipient site complications, and the plasma gel procedure was relatively easier and cheaper. Plasma gel modification is cost-effective, less time-consuming, does not require trypsinization, and provides rapid, satisfactory, and uniform repigmentation. Cryoblebbing and trypsinization are effective; however, there are more technical difficulties, delayed healing, and delayed onset of repigmentation.

Medial sural artery perforator free flap versus radial forearm free flap in oral cavity reconstruction and donor site morbidity.

Radial Forearm Free flap (RFFF) is widely used in head and neck reconstruction, yet its donor site defect remains a significant drawback. The Medial Sural Artery Perforator Free Flap (MSAPFF) is considered an alternative flap to RFFF. This study aims to comprehensively analyze their characteristics, outcomes, and their impact on patient quality of life. All patients who underwent oral cavity reconstruction using RFFF and MSAPFF between February 2017 and April 2023 were included in this study. Flap characteristics, outcomes and post-operative complications were recorded and compared. Subjective donor site morbidity, aesthetic and functional results, and quality of life were also analyzed. The study included 76 patients: 37 underwent reconstruction with RFFF, and 39 with MSAPFF. There was no significance difference between the RFFF and MSAPFF regarding the success rate (97.2% vs 97.4%), flap size (4.8 × 8.8 cm2 vs 5 × 9.8 cm2), hospital of stay (15.5 days vs 13.5 days) and recipient site complications (P > 0.05). However, MSAPFF showed larger flap thickness (P = 0.001), smaller arterial caliber (P = 0.008), shorter pedicle length (P = 0.001), and longer harvesting time (P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the pre-and postoperative ranges of wrist and ankle movements or in recipient site complications. MSAPFF showed a significant difference in donor site morbidity (P < 0.05). The MSAPFF is an excellent alternative to the RFFF for repairing oral cavity defects, with additional advantage of a well-hidden scar on the posterior calf, a larger flap thickness, accepted pedicle length and arterial caliber. However, one should consider the harvesting time and surgical skills required in comparison to the RFFF. The study highlights the importance of the MSAPFF as an alternative option for RFFF with less donor site morbidity and high success rate in oral cavity reconstruction and improved patient Quality of life after ablative surgery.

The Impact of Technical Innovations and Donor-Site Mesh Repair on Autologous Abdominal-Based Breast Reconstruction-A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the potential benefit that may be achieved through the introduction of technical innovations and the incorporation of mesh for fascial donor site closure in uni- and bilateral autologous breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue. Methods: A retrospective single-center review of all breast reconstructions with a DIEP or MS-TRAM flap between January 2004 and December 2019 was performed. Donor and recipient site complications and operation times were evaluated before and after the implementation of coupler anastomoses, preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA), indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, and the inclusion of mesh in donor site repair. Results: A total of 396 patients were included, accounting for 447 flaps. Operation time was significantly shorter in unilateral reconstructions after the implementation of CTA (p < 0.0001). ICG angiography significantly reduced the rates of partial flap loss (p = 0.02) and wound healing disorders (p = 0.02). For unilateral reconstructions, abdominal bulging or hernia was observed more often in MS1-TRAM flaps without synthetic mesh repair (p = 0.001), whereas conservatively treated seroma developed more frequently after mesh implantation (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Recent technological advancements developed over the past few decades have made a substantial impact on decreasing surgical duration and enhancing procedure safety.

Maxillofacial Microvascular Free-Flap Reconstructions in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients-Outcomes and Potential Factors Influencing Success Rate.

Background: Maxillofacial microvascular free-flap reconstructions are significant interventions in the management of congenital defects, traumatic injuries, malignancies, and iatrogenic complications in pediatric and young adult patients. Craniofacial disorders within this demographic can result in profound functional, cosmetic, and psychosocial impairments, highlighting the critical need for thorough investigation into factors that may influence procedural success and postoperative quality of life. This retrospective chart review aims to examine the outcomes and potential influencing factors, aiming to offer valuable insights into optimizing the effectiveness of these reconstructions and improving patient outcomes. Methods: A single head and neck surgical team performed all the included 136 procedures. Demographic and surgical patient data were recorded. Type of transfer performed in each recipient site and major complications were analyzed. Relevant influencing factors, such as age, gender, and etiology of defect were determined using the ANOVA test and χ2 test of independence. Results: The results indicate a 90% success rate. No significant relationship was found between the incidence of total flap loss and patient age, etiology, or graft source. The maxillary reconstructions showed a higher incidence of total flap loss compared to mandibular reconstructions (11 vs. 3 cases). Conclusions: Despite the high success rate, the findings underline the necessity for further research to validate these observations and enhance surgical methods for pediatric and young adult patients.

The Impact of Marijuana Use on Postoperative Outcomes in Abdominal-based Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

There is an increasing prevalence of marijuana use in the general population yet clinical studies on marijuana's effect on surgical outcomes remain limited. Marijuana's effect on wound healing, venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to endothelial inflammation, and bleeding due to inhibited platelet function have been cited based on animal models but have not been evaluated clinically in patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction. Retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction in a single institute from August 2018 to December 2022. Patient self-reported marijuana use, demographics, total narcotic use during hospitalization converted to oral morphine milligram equivalent (MME), and 90-day complications were collected and compared. A total of 162 patients were included and 13 patients (8.5%) had reported marijuana use on presurgical history. Marijuana users are more likely to be younger and report concurrent nicotine smoking. Marijuana users were also at a significantly elevated risk of developing symptomatic VTE (15 vs. 1%; odds ratio (OR) 13.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.71-104.2]; p = 0.01) and marijuana use remained a significant risk factor with multivariate analysis. On postoperative 90-day complications, there was no increased risk of flap loss, reoperation, postoperative transfusion, or hematoma associated with marijuana use, and no significantly increased risk for overall donor or recipient site complications. Marijuana users required significantly more narcotics for pain control during hospitalization (100 ± 77 vs. 49 ± 45 MME; p = 0.0003), although they had similar lengths of stay, achievement of mobilization on post operative day (POD)1, and maximal pain scores. Marijuana use increases the risks of postoperative VTE and increased postoperative narcotic requirements in patients who underwent abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction. Future prospective cohort study is required to further understand marijuana-associated risks in microsurgical procedures.

Exploring Aesthetic Outcomes and Complications in Auricular Reconstruction Utilising Autologous Cartilage: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis.

Auricular reconstruction remains a challenging procedure, requiring a high degree of manual dexterity and attention to detail in order to reconstruct the complex three-dimensional geometry of the ear successfully. Most techniques will rely on autologous cartilage for auricular framework fabrication, carrying a risk of donor and recipient site morbidity. The aim of this report is to investigate the complications and aesthetic outcomes associated with autologous cartilage harvest in auricular reconstruction. A systematic review protocol was registered with theInternational Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting for Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Comprehensive electronic search strategies for four databases were developed. Studies were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. The literature search identified 7171 articles. Filtering for relevance and duplication reduced the number of articles to 52. A total of 12,215 patients underwent auricular reconstruction utilising autologous cartilage. Indications included 11,696 patients due to microtia, 334 patients due to burns or trauma, 70 patients due to constricted ears, and 115 patients due to prominent ears. The most commonly reported donor site complications included chest wall deformities (n = 159). The most commonly reported recipient site complications included hypertrophic or keloid scars (n = 279), haematoma (n = 155), tissue expander exposure (n = 111), cartilage or framework exposure (n = 122), and cartilage framework deformation or resorption (n = 50). Although a challenging procedure, auricular reconstruction utilising autologous cartilage is possible. Exceptional aesthetic results can be achieved when performed by a skilled surgeon on appropriately selected individuals. However, the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure should be discussed with the patient and family beforehand.

Submental island flap versus supraclavicular island flap in oral tongue cancer reconstruction: Perioperative and functional outcomes

BackgroundThe primary treatment for oral tongue cancer in both early and advanced stages involves surgical resection, which often affects tongue function. When microvascular free flaps are unsuitable for tongue reconstruction following cancer ablation, locoregional pedicled flaps become viable alternatives, for example, submental and supraclavicular island flaps. This study compares perioperative and functional outcomes between submental and supraclavicular flaps in tongue cancer reconstruction. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study analyzed the outcomes of 46 patients who underwent tongue resection and reconstruction with a submental or supraclavicular island flap between January 2015 and December 2022. We evaluated patient demographics, flap outcomes, postoperative complications, and speech and swallowing outcomes. ResultsThe study included 24 submental and 22 supraclavicular island flap reconstructions. While demographic data were similar between the two groups, the submental island flap group had significantly shorter operative times than the supraclavicular group (291 and 347 min, respectively, p = 0.018), reduced hospital stays (14.8 and 18.6 days, respectively, p = 0.016), fewer major recipient site complications necessitating interventions under general anesthesia (1 and 6 patients, respectively, p = 0.043), and less recipient wound dehiscence (1 and 8 patients, respectively, p = 0.009). Speech and swallowing outcomes were comparable in the two groups. ConclusionThe submental island flap appears to be a more favorable option for tongue reconstruction than the supraclavicular island flap, offering advantages in operative time, length of hospital stays, and lower rates of major complications and wound dehiscence.

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

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

Minimally Invasive Approach to Access Vessels for Microvascular Anastomosis in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

To describe our technique, review indications, and evaluate the outcomes of the minimal access approach for recipient vessel identification in microvascular tissue transfer. Retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction using the minimal access technique between 2015 and 2021. We report 236 cases, comprising 214 patients with a mean age of 60.2 years (3-88). The most common primary defect sites were the mandible (22.6%), cranium (14%), maxilla (13.2%), skull base (12.8%), and nose/nasal cavity (10.6%). Indications for free flap reconstruction included head and neck cancer extirpation (32.2%), osteoradionecrosis (29.7%), acquired deformity (14.0%), chronic wound (11.9%) and oral motor dysfunction (7.2%). Free flap donor sites used were the anterolateral thigh (84.3%), fibula (7.2%), and radial forearm (6.4%). Vessels utilized include superficial temporal (49.8%), facial (38.3%), angular (11.1%), and transverse cervical (0.4%). The overall complication rate was 14% (n = 33), with surgical complications at the recipient site accounting for 67.6% (n = 25). Flap failure occurred in 3.4% of procedures. Prior head and neck surgery and free flaps were associated with an increased risk of major recipient site complications (n = 20, p = 0.0257 and n = 14, p = 0.0117, respectively). Minimal access techniques allow consistent recipient vessel identification for microvascular-free tissue transfer. These approaches may be utilized in reconstructing a broad range of head and neck defects, are low morbidity, and contribute to an overall shorter length of stay. 2 Laryngoscope, 134:2177-2181, 2024.

Co-surgery in head and neck microvascular reconstruction

PurposeCo-surgery with two attending reconstructive surgeons is becoming increasingly common in breast microvascular reconstruction due to case complexity and the potential for improved outcomes and operative efficiency. The impact of co-surgery on outcomes in head and neck microvascular reconstruction has not been studied. MethodsOur multidisciplinary head and neck reconstruction team (Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery) at the University of Pittsburgh transitioned to a practice of co-surgery on head and neck free flaps. In this study, we compare outcomes of two surgeon head and neck reconstruction to single surgeon reconstruction in a prospectively maintained database. Results384 patients met our inclusion criteria from 2020 to 2022. Cases were performed by a single surgeon in 77.8 % of cases (299/384) and two surgeons in 22.1 % (85/384). The mean age was 62.5 years. There was no difference between the single surgeon cohort and the co-surgery cohort in terms of flap survival, procedure time, ischemia time, hospital length of stay, recipient site complications, or rates of return to the operating room. Donor site complications were less common in the co-surgery cohort (0 % vs 4.7 %, p = 0.021). For our reconstructive team, the transition to co-surgery has increased total surgeon fee collection per free flap by 28 % and increased surgeon flap related RVU production by 35 %. ConclusionCo-surgery is feasible and safe in head and neck microvascular reconstruction. Benefits may include reduced complications, increased reimbursement, and improved interdisciplinary collaboration.

Radially Pedicled In-Situ Split-Thickness Skin Grafts, an Alternative to Distal Split-Thickness Skin Grafts.

This study aimed to introduce a novel radially pedicled in-situ split-thickness skin graft (STSG). The morbidity, esthetic, and functional outcomes of the radially pedicled in-situ STSG were in comparison with those of the distal STSG. Retrospective analysis. A single-institution review. Seventy patients with oral cancer who underwent radical surgical resection and simultaneous radial forearm free flap (RFFF) reconstruction from July 2021 to March 2022 were included. De-epithelialized RFFFs and traditional RFFFs were used to repair oral defects of 35 patients in Group A and Group B, respectively, while radially pedicled in-situ STSGs and distal STSGs taken from abdomens were used to repair donor site defects in the above groups, respectively. Patient demographics, wound healing complications, and esthetic and functional outcomes of the forearms were compared between the 2 groups. No significant difference between Group A and Group B was observed in terms of donor site and recipient site complications. The esthetic outcome was superior in Group A compared to Group B (P = .011). The extension range, sensation, and pinch strength of operated forearms were significantly reduced in both groups after surgery (P < .05), however, intergroup differences were not observed. Taken together, our results suggest that radially pedicled in-situ STSG is an applicable technique for direct closure and better esthetic outcomes in the forearm donor site.

Reconstruction of oncologic upper extremity defects with fibula free flaps has high union rates and excellent functional outcomes.

Limb salvage has better functional outcomes than amputation in the upper extremity. This can however be challenging after bony tumor resections. This is a retrospective case series of patients who underwent humerus, ulna, or radius reconstruction with a fibula free flap. Data were collected on demographics, oncologic history, surgical details, and complications. Functional outcome measures included the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), presence of pain, and musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) score. Over a 25-year period, 38 reconstructions were performed. The flap success rate was 97.5%. Bony union was obtained in 19 of 19 (100%) forearm reconstructions and in 15 of 19 (79%) humerus reconstructions (p = 0.10). All 19 forearm reconstruction patients and 18/19 humerus reconstruction patients were able to perform ADLs with no pain or only occasional pain. The MSTS scores were not significantly different between the humerus and forearm cohorts (27.1 vs. 27.3, p = 0.68). Functional outcomes were significantly better in limbs that achieved union (p < 0.001). Recipient and donor site complications occurred in 10 (26.3%) and 5 (13%) patients, respectively. Oncologic upper-extremity reconstruction with fibula free flaps has excellent functional outcomes. Bone union is a predictor of superior limb function.

Outcomes of DIEP flap reconstruction after pelvic cancer surgery: A retrospective multicenter case series

Flap reconstruction is often required after pelvic tumor resection to reduce wound complications. The use of perforator flaps has been shown to reduce donor site morbidity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (pDIEP) flap reconstruction. This was a retrospective multicenter study of patients who underwent immediate pDIEP flap reconstruction for a pelvic or perineal defect after tumor resection between November 2012 and June 2022. The primary outcome was abdominal donor site morbidity, and the secondary outcome was perineal morbidity. Thirty-four patients (median age, 57.5 years) who underwent pelvic exenteration (n=31), extralevator abdominoperineal excision (n=2), or extended vaginal hysterectomy (n=1) were included. The most common indications were recurrent cervical (n=19) and anal (n=4) squamous cell carcinoma. Twenty-nine patients (85%) had a history of radiotherapy. Only one patient (3%) had major (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III) donor site complications (surgical site infection due to tumor recurrence). Eleven patients (32%) had at least one major recipient site complication (surgical site infection [n=1], total [n=2] or partial [n=1] flap loss, perineal dehiscence [n=2], hematoma [n=1], fistula [n=5]). No incisional or perineal hernias were observed during follow-up. Ninety-day survival was 100%. Pedicled DIEP flap reconstructions performed by experienced surgical teams had good outcomes for perineal or vaginal reconstruction, with low abdominal morbidity, in patients with advanced pelvic malignancies who had undergone median laparotomy. The risks and benefits of this procedure should be carefully evaluated preoperatively using clinical and imaging data.

Profunda Artery Perforator Flap Tongue Reconstruction: An Effective and Safe Alternative to the Anterolateral Thigh Flap.

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap is a workhorse flap for tongue reconstruction. The authors present an alternative option using the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap for glossectomy reconstruction compared with the ALT flap. A retrospective review was conducted of 65 patients who underwent subtotal or total glossectomy reconstruction between 2016 and 2020 (46 ALT versus 19 PAP flaps). Flap volume was assessed using computed tomography scans at two different time points. Quality of life and functional outcomes were measured using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Head and Neck Cancer. Patients receiving a PAP flap had significantly lower body mass index compared with those receiving an ALT flap (22.7 ± 5.0 versus 25.8 ± 5.1; P = 0.014). Donor-site and recipient-site complications were similar, as was the mean flap volume 7 months after surgery (30.9% for ALT versus 28.1% for PAP; P = 0.93). Radiation and chemotherapy did not appear to have a significant effect on flap volume change over time. The most frequently reported high-severity items in MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Head and Neck Cancer were swallowing/chewing and voice/speech for both cohorts. Patients who had reconstruction with a PAP flap had significantly better swallowing function ( P = 0.034). Both the PAP and ALT flaps appear to be safe and effective choices for subtotal and total tongue reconstruction. The PAP flap can serve as an alternative donor site, especially in patients with low body mass index and thin lateral-thigh thickness undergoing reconstruction of extensive glossectomy defects. Therapeutic, III.

Complications and Peri-operative Characteristics of Flaps for Reconstruction of Defects after Ablation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Floor of the Mouth.

To determine the appropriate method to use to repair defects after ablation of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the floor of the mouth (FOM). A retrospective review of 119 patients who underwent surgical resections of SCC of the FOM and flap reconstructions was conducted. A Student t test was used to examine the statistical differences in operative time, length of hospital stay and complications among groups with different reconstructions. Advanced-stage patients were repaired with more free flaps than local pedicled flaps that provided more reconstructions for small-to-medium defects. The most common recipient complication was wound dehiscence, and patients in the anterolateral thigh flap group developed a greater number of overall recipient site complications compared with those in other groups. Patients undergoing local flap reconstructions had shorter operative times compared with those with free flap reconstructions. In contrast to a radial forearm free flap as a more appropriate reconstruction for defects involving the tongue, an anterolateral thigh flap was better suited for defects with dead spaces. A fibular flap was appropriate for massive complex defects involving the mandible, FOM and tongue. A pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap provided the last line of reconstruction for patients with relapsed SCC or high-risk factors for microsurgical reconstructions.

Surgical outcomes of suprafascial and subfascial radial forearm free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

Conventional radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs) are known to be safe, but can result in donor site complications. Based on our experiences with suprafascial and subfascial RFFFs, we evaluated the safety of flap survival and surgical outcomes. This was a retrospective study of head and neck reconstructions using RFFFs from 2006 to 2021. Thirty-two patients underwent procedures using either subfascial (group A) or suprafascial (group B) dissection for flap elevation. Data were collected on patient characteristics, flap size, and donor and recipient complications, and the two groups were compared. Thirteen of the 32 patients were in group A and 19 were in group B. Group A included 10 men and three women, with a mean age of 56.15 years, and group B included 16 men and three women, with a mean age of 59.11 years. The mean defect areas were 42.83 cm² and 33.32 cm², and the mean flap sizes were 50.96 cm² and 44.54 cm² in groups A and B, respectively. There were 13 donor site complications: eight (61.5%) in group A and five (26.3%) in group B. Flexor tendon exposure occurred in three patients in group A and in none in group B. All flaps survived completely. A recipient site complication occurred in two patients (15.4%) in group A and three patients (15.8%) in group B. Complications and flap survival were similar between the two groups. However, tendon exposure at the donor site was less prevalent in the suprafascial group, and the treatment period was shorter. Based on our data, suprafascial RFFF is a reliable and safe procedure for reconstruction of the head and neck.