Reconstruction Of Extensive Composite Defects Research Articles

One-stage reconstruction using a fibula osteocutaneous free flap and an anterolateral thigh free flap for an extensive composite defect after en bloc resection of squamous cell carcinoma on the mouth floor, mandible, and anterior neck: A CARE-compliant case report.

Although regional metastasis to the lymph nodes is common in advanced oral cancer, extensive local invasion into surrounding structures such as the mandible, skin and soft tissue of the neck, and masticator space is relatively rare. Sometimes surgical treatment cannot be performed and only palliative chemotherapy and radiation therapy are offered to preserve the quality of life of patients with advanced oral cancer. Nevertheless, the surgical resection of tumors remains the most effective treatment. This study presents a case of aggressive mouth floor cancer in which extensive composite defects on the mouth floor, oral mucosa, mandible, skin and soft tissue of the neck caused by tumor resection were reconstructed. A 66-year-old man and a 65-year-old man with no significant personal or family history visited our clinic due to a large and multiple masses on the floor of the mouth and both sides of the neck. Histopathological evaluation of the biopsy specimen revealed squamous cell carcinoma. A fibula osteocutaneous free flap and customized titanium plate were used for the intraoral lining. Mandibular reconstruction was performed using a 3D-printed bone model, and an anterolateral thigh free flap was used to resurface the anterior of the neck. Reconstruction using this method was successful, and excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes were achieved without cancer recurrence. This study show that the reconstruction of extensive composite defects of the oral mucosa, mandible, and neck soft tissue following surgical resection of mouth floor cancer can be performed in a single-stage operation. Through a single-stage reconstruction, both excellent functional aspects without cancer recurrence and satisfactory aesthetic outcomes can be obtained.

Long-Term Outcomes after Double Free Flap Reconstruction for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer.

The use of simultaneous, multiple free flaps has become a reliable reconstructive option in patients with extensive composite defects after resection of locally advanced head and neck cancer. However, some reluctance remains among reconstructive surgeons with concerns regarding flap outcomes and limited patient survival. Therefore, we evaluated complications, long-term patient survival, and patient-reported outcomes following these extensive head and neck reconstructions. All consecutive patients treated with multiple free flaps for reconstruction of extensive composite defects after resection of locally advanced head and neck cancer between 1999 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient charts were evaluated for demographics, treatment details, complications, and patient survival. In addition, all patients alive at the start of the study were asked to complete the 10-item Eat Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and the Intelligibility Rating Scale (IRS). Eighty-four simultaneous, multiple free flaps were performed in 42 patients. The predominant free flap combination consisted of a fibula with either an anterolateral thigh (n = 22) or a radial forearm flap (n = 14). Complete flap survival was 95%. Nineteen patients were still alive with a mean follow-up of 55 months. Five-year patient survival was 46.3%. Mean EAT-10 score was 8.4 (range: 0-29), with only one patient reporting problematic swallowing. Ninety percent of the patients had moderate to good speech intelligibility with the IRS. Multiple, simultaneous free flaps can be performed safely, leading to acceptable long-term patient survival and patient-reported functional outcomes. Our study demonstrates that it is worthwhile to perform these challenging microvascular reconstructions in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Combined Free Partial Vastus Lateralis with Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of Extensive Composite Defects

Musculocutaneous (MC) free flaps are useful for many reconstructive indications. Perforator flaps have become a standard of care. The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) is popular. With it, varying sizes of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle can be harvested as an MC flap. The skin islands of these flaps have a great range of freedom when dissected on their perforators. It was hypothesized that the VL-ALT perforator flap would offer adequate tissue stock combining maximal freedom in planning with minimal donor site morbidity.

Combined Free Partial Vastus Lateralis with Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of Extensive Composite Defects

007-1226/$ see front matter q 20 i:10.1016/j.bjps.2005.04.022 * Corresponding author. Tel.: C31 1 E-mail address: sophofer@hotmail. Summary Myocutaneous (MC) free flaps are useful for many reconstructive indications. Perforator flaps have become standard of care. The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) donor site is popular. With the ALT flap varying sizes of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle can be harvested as a MC flap. The skin islands of these flaps have a great range of freedom when dissected on their perforator. It was hypothesised that the VL–ALT perforator flap would offer adequate tissue volume combining maximal freedom in planningwithminimal donor sitemorbidity. FromNovember 2001 to February 2003 a free partial VL with ALT perforator flap was used in 11 patients to reconstruct large defects. Indications for adding a muscular component were exposed bone, skull base, (artificial) dura, or osteosynthesis material, open sinuses, and lack of muscular bulk. Flaps were planned as standard ALT flaps, after which three types of dissection were performed: I. trueMCflap; II.muscleflapwitha skin islandononeperforator,whichcouldbe rotatedup to1808; III. chimera skin perforatorflapwithmuscle being harvestedona separatebranch from the source vessel or on a side branch of the skin perforator. Mean skin size of theMCALT flaps was 131 cm. Meanmuscle part size of the MC-ALT flaps was 268 cm. Muscular parts were custom designed for all defects. No total or partial flap failures were seen. Colourmismatchwas seen in6of8patients,whenskinwasused in the facial area in this all white population. Excessive flap bulk was found in 8 of 11 patients at 6 weeks, however, only in 2of 11patients after 6months. Patientswere satisfiedwith the functional result (8 of 11 patients) as well as the cosmetic result of their reconstruction (7 of 11 patients). All less satisfiedpatientshad receivedtheirflap forexternal facial skin reconstruction.Donor sitemorbiditywasminimal. The combined free partial VLwithALTperforator flapproved valuable as a (chimera type) MC flap with maximal freedom of planning to meet specific reconstructive demands and minimal donor site morbidity. q 2005 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. British Journal of Plastic Surgery (2005) 58, 1095–1103

The combined free partial vastus lateralis with anterolateral thigh perforator flap reconstruction of extensive composite defects

Myocutaneous (MC) free flaps are useful for many reconstructive indications. Perforator flaps have become standard of care. The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) donor site is popular. With the ALT flap varying sizes of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle can be harvested as a MC flap. The skin islands of these flaps have a great range of freedom when dissected on their perforator. It was hypothesised that the VL-ALT perforator flap would offer adequate tissue volume combining maximal freedom in planning with minimal donor site morbidity. From November 2001 to February 2003 a free partial VL with ALT perforator flap was used in 11 patients to reconstruct large defects. Indications for adding a muscular component were exposed bone, skull base, (artificial) dura, or osteosynthesis material, open sinuses, and lack of muscular bulk. Flaps were planned as standard ALT flaps, after which three types of dissection were performed: I. true MC flap; II. muscle flap with a skin island on one perforator, which could be rotated up to 180 degrees ; III. chimera skin perforator flap with muscle being harvested on a separate branch from the source vessel or on a side branch of the skin perforator. Mean skin size of the MC-ALT flaps was 131 cm2. Mean muscle part size of the MC-ALT flaps was 268 cm3. Muscular parts were custom designed for all defects. No total or partial flap failures were seen. Colour mismatch was seen in 6 of 8 patients, when skin was used in the facial area in this all white population. Excessive flap bulk was found in 8 of 11 patients at 6 weeks, however, only in 2 of 11 patients after 6 months. Patients were satisfied with the functional result (8 of 11 patients) as well as the cosmetic result of their reconstruction (7 of 11 patients). All less satisfied patients had received their flap for external facial skin reconstruction. Donor site morbidity was minimal. The combined free partial VL with ALT perforator flap proved valuable as a (chimera type) MC flap with maximal freedom of planning to meet specific reconstructive demands and minimal donor site morbidity.