Reconstruction Of Oral Cavity Defects Research Articles

Feasibility of Super-thin Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap for Oral and Pharyngeal Reconstruction.

To highlight the feasibility of employing super-thin ALT free flaps for reconstruction of complex oral cavity and oropharyngeal defects. Retrospective chart review. Sixteen super-thin ALT free flaps were performed in 15 patients between 2020 and 2023 for reconstruction of oral cavity defects (seven oral tongue, three floor of mouth, three buccal, two oropharynx, one lower lip). Flap success rate was 100% with only minor complications reported, with no patient requiring return to the operating room within 30 days and no patient requiring radial forearm free flap reconstruction. One patient experienced partial flap failure, one patient experienced superficial necrosis of the distal skin paddle measuring 1 cm, and one patient was converted intraoperatively to a contralateral traditional ALT free flap due to insufficient perforator size. Average operative time was 509 min, average length of hospitalization was nine days, and two patients required gastrostomy placement prior to discharge for dysphagia. Super-thin ALT free flap harvest technique represents a feasible option for oral cavity and oropharyngeal reconstruction in select patients and does not require additional surgical training, invasive testing, or technology. It can be readily adopted by reconstructive surgeons with a simple adaptation in existing ALT harvest technique. Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Initial experience with ovine forestomach matrix graft for glossectomy defect reconstruction: A case series

Soft tissue reconstruction of oral cavity defects, such as glossectomy defects secondary to malignancy, pose a challenge for head and neck, oral, and maxillofacial surgeons. Reconstruction options for mucosal defects include primary closure, healing by secondary intention, full mucosal and split-thickness skin grafts, pedicled flaps, and microvascular free flaps. Biological grafts have become an integral part of the modern reconstructive ladder and are widely used for the regeneration of various soft tissue defects, including oral defects. This case series describes our initial experience using ovine forestomach matrix grafts in tongue and oral cavity reconstruction. Oral reconstruction using ovine forestomach matrix grafts was undertaken on three patients post wide excision and resulted in good functional and cosmetic outcomes. The rate of tissue formation provided by the graft and the grafts’ relative resistance to the hostile environment of the oral cavity support further clinical research to validate the use of these devices in oral reconstruction.

The Sublingual Gland Flap for Oral Reconstruction: Insights From a Single Institutional Experience.

Background: Following ablative surgery, the reconstruction of oral cavity defects is essential to ensure optimal function and aesthetically acceptable outcomes. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the effectiveness and complication rates of the sublingual gland flap (SGF) in oral soft tissue reconstruction. The procedure for harvesting SGF and the strengths and limitations of the flap are discussed. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 13 patients suffering from oncological diseases who underwent soft tissue reconstruction with SGF. The patient's medical charts were evaluated based on histopathological aspects, postoperative complications, and outcomes. Reconstruction of the floor of the mouth was performed in 8 patients (61.5%) and lower gingiva in 5 patients (38.5%), respectively. Results: Complete epithelialization with closure of the defect was achieved within an average of 2 weeks. The observation period ranged from 1 to 33 months, with an average duration of 11.5 months. Partial flap necrosis and ranula occurred in one patient (7.7%). Furthermore, postoperative bleeding was observed in one patient (7.7%), and wound dehiscence and abscess formation were noted in another (7.7%). Locoregional recurrence of the cancer was observed in one case (7.7%). Conclusions: The SGF is effective for achieving successful reconstruction of small- and medium-sized defects in the lower gingiva and floor of the mouth. The complication rate is relatively low.

The Feasibility and Outcome of Integra® Bilayer Matrix in the Reconstruction of Oral Cavity Defects.

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and failure rate of Integra® Bilayer Wound Matrix (Integra) in the reconstruction of oral cavity defects. Retrospective cohort study. All study information was collected from a single academic tertiary care hospital. Subjects included adult patients who underwent oral cavity resection and immediate subsequent reconstruction with Integra® Bilayer Wound Matrix at MD Anderson Cancer Center between the years 2015 and 2020. The following variables were collected: patient's demographics, comorbidities, disease stage, treatment and reconstruction modalities, and surgical outcome from the medical records. Statistical analysis included distribution analysis for all collected parameters and Pearson's χ2 tests to find correlation between variables and take rate of Integra. Eighty-three patients underwent reconstruction with Integra® Bilayer Wound Matrix dressing. Average age was 66 years old. Thirty-nine patients (47%) had history of previous resections for oral cavity tumors. Fourteen patients (17%) had history of radiation therapy to the Head and Neck region. Most common pathology was invasive squamous cell carcinoma (75%) followed by dysplasia (12%). Complete wound healing with good cellular integration occurred in 83 patients (96%) with only 3 failures requiring additional surgery. Reconstruction of mandibulectomy defects was associated with increased risk of dehiscence and bone exposure (0.66, P = .03). This study shows promising results with high take rate of Integra® Bilayer Wound Matrix dressing in the reconstruction of various oral cavity defects. We encourage surgeons to adopt this technique as a viable and versatile option into the reconstruction ladder of oral cavity defects.

Resumption of Oral Feeding Following Reconstruction of Oral Cavity Defects Using the Submental Artery Island Perforator Flap (SAIPF)

Resumption of Oral Feeding Following Reconstruction of Oral Cavity Defects Using the Submental Artery Island Perforator Flap (SAIPF)

Reverse submandibular gland flap: An alternative for reconstruction of medium-sized oral defects

Despite the development of microsurgery, local flaps still play an essential role in the reconstruction of head and neck defects. The submandibular gland flap (SMGF) has proven to be a reliable method for repairing medium-sized defects. It requires a shorter duration of general anesthesia and has fewer donor site complications compared to the free flap. However, the restricted vascular pedicle length limits its application. Retrograde flow is one solution. The authors describe a novel technique of using reverse submandibular gland flap (RSMGF) for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects. Additional vascular pedicle length was obtained by ligating the proximal end and dissecting the distal end of the facial vessels, thus extending its application range. The RSMGF is technically feasible and suitable for repairing medium-sized defects of the oral cavity (cT2 stage tumor) like buccal mucosa, especially for the elderly in poor general condition, for whom free flaps are not applicable.

Experience of using a supraclavicular flap in reconstruction of oral cavity defects

Introduction. In case of cancer of the oral mucosa at the first stage, the standard treatment approach is radical surgical intervention, with the formation of extensive defects leading to aesthetic and functional disorders. Taking into account the characteristics of defects, choosing a flap is a difficult task. Currently, there is a wide selection of regional and microvascular free flaps. However, not all flaps meet the requirements. The supraclavicular fasciocutaneous flap, being a regional flap, has a number of advantages: easy to harvest, reliable due to the constancy of the vascular pedicle, primary closure of the donor site, scarcity of hair, the possibility of closing various defects of the oral cavity. Aim. To evaluate the possibility of using a supraclavicular flap in patients with oral cancer to restore the defects after surgical treatment.Materials and methods. The study included 10 patients with malignant tumors of the oral cavity who underwent surgical intervention with defect replacement using supraclavicular flap at the N. N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology between February of 2015 and May of 2021. In 4 cases, buccal mucosa was affected; in 3 cases, the retromolar area; in 1 case, oral floor mucosa; in 1 case, mandibular alveolar ridge; in 1 case, mobile tongue. Flap sizes were 5–10 × 5–8 cm. Three (3) patients had history of radiotherapy, and 1 of them had a radical dose.Results. In 4 patients without previous radiotherapy, partial flap necrosis was observed. In 1 patient, sutural diastasis in the oral cavity after partial flap necrosis was diagnosed. There were no cases of total flap necrosis and fistula formation. Suture dehiscence in the donor bed was observed in 1 patient only.Conclusion. Use of supraclavicular flap is an option for oral cavity defect replacement after surgical intervention in patients with malignant tumors of the oral cavity producing satisfactory esthetic and functional results. The advantages of this flap are simple flap dissection, reliability of vascular pedicle, flexibility, possibility of replacing large defects, scant hair coverage.

Versatility of Facial Artery Musculomucosal (FAMM) Flap for Reconstruction of Oral Cavity Defects.

The Facial Artery Musculomucosal (FAMM) flap for reconstruction of oral cavity defects is being popularized in recent years due to its obvious advantages. The aim of our study is to evaluate the cases operated at our institute for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects using FAMM flap and assess their outcomes. In this retrospective study, we included all patients in whom the FAMM flap was used to reconstruct oral cavity defects operated at our institute from January 2017 to December 2020. From the available records, patients' data like age, sex, diagnosis, treatment plan, complications, flap viability, and need for pedicle revision were retrieved and tabulated. FAMM flap was used in ten patients (8 male, 2 female) with ages ranging from 40 to 54years. In six patients with superior defects e.g., maxilla/palate, retrograde FAMM flap was used and in the other 4 patients with inferior defects e.g., tongue/ floor of the mouth, antegrade FAMM flap was used. None of the patients developed complications like flap failure/necrosis or dehiscence. The donor site healed uneventfully in all patients. FAMM flap offers various advantages for oral cavity reconstruction including mucosa reconstruction with alike mucosal tissue, muscle portion providing bulk, minimal donor site morbidity along with easier harvesting approach. There are no associated significant long-term complications if the technique is properly followed. FAMM should be considered a viable option for the reconstruction of a variety of oral cavity defects.

Myomucosal island flap in the reconstruction of oral cavity defects: Description of the surgical technique.

Multiple options are available for the reconstruction of the defects of the oral cavity. Among these, the facial artery myomucosal island flap (FAMMIF) is a pedicled flap composed by cheek mucosa, submucosa, and part of the buccinator muscle. The FAMMIF is ideal for the reconstruction of small-to-moderate defects of the oral cavity and the oropharynx. This is due to low operating time, low morbidity, and good functional and aesthetic results. A step-by-step description of the flap harvesting is presented, with particular attention to flap design, identification of the vessels, harvesting of the myomucosal island, tunnel preparation for its passage in the neck and back to the oral cavity, and closure of the cheek donor site with the buccal fat pad.

The efficacy of nasolabial flap as a reconstruction modality in the surgical management of oral submucous fibrosis

The purpose of this study was to clinically assess the efficacy of nasolabial flap for reconstruction of oral cavity defects post fibrotomy in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients. The study was implemented on ten patients with OSMF with mouth openings of less than 10 mm interincisal distance. The extent of mouth opening (inter incisal distance) along with the viability and vascularity of the flap was evaluated clinically over a period 6 months. In our study, complications like flap necrosis, flap loss, infection and obstructive sialadenitis were not observed. However, intra-oral hair growth was seen in our 7 patients, extra-oral scar at the donor site was seen in all our patients and salivary fistula formation was reported in 1 of the patient which underwent fistula repair later. Mean mouth opening of 37 mm was achieved at 6 months post-operatively, with a mean increase of 31.5 mm. No relapse was encountered, even at last follow-up. On the basis of the results, we conclude that the inferiorly based nasolabial flap is an efficacious, viable and a reliable option for reconstruction of oral cavity defects in OSMF.

The Effect of Radiation Therapy on the Success of the Use of Submental Flap in the Reconstruction of Oral Cavity Defects

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of previously performed radiation therapy on the successful use of a submental flap in oral reconstruction. Material and methods: The study included 52 patients who underwent reconstruction of oral cavity defects using a submental flap between February 2015 and January 2021. Radiation therapy was performed in 13 patients in the preoperative period at different time periods and in different doses. Results: From February 2015 to August 2021, to 52 patients submental flap was used to reconstruct oral cavity defects after surgical treatment of oral mucosal cancer. 13 patients received radiation therapy before surgical treatment compared to 39 who did not. In eleven cases, partial flap necrosis occurred, of which 3 underwent radiation therapy to two in a radical dose before surgical treatment. In two cases, there was a discrepancy of sutures in the oral cavity, one in each group, which did not require surgical intervention and were closed with conservative treatment. Two patients who underwent radiation therapy developed a fistula communicating with the oral cavity and neck healed spontaneously with conservative management. Marginal mandibular nerve palsy developed in three patients, one in the group with radiation therapy, the rest without a history of radiation therapy. Conclusions: Total flap necrosis was not observed in any group. Thus, preoperative radiation therapy is not a contraindication to the use of a submental flap to reconstruct oral cavity defects with relatively acceptable complications. The submental flap is easy to harvest, reliable, universal flap to reconstruct oral cavity defects.

Reconstruction of oral cavity defects using myogenous-only scapular tip free-flaps.

BackgroundOral cavity reconstruction is very challenging anatomical subsite to reconstruct. Large defects often require free tissue reconstruction to provide the best chance of form and function. Additionally, free tissue reconstruction aids to prevent fistula formation. We aimed to determine outcomes of oral cavity defect reconstruction using scapular tip free flaps with a myogenous intraoral component.MethodsAll patients with a mandibular or maxillary bony defect that included a disruption of the intraoral mucosa component between 07/1/14 and 07/31/17. Patients were reconstructed with a scapular tip free flap, which included a muscular component that was used to recreate the oral mucosa. The primary study outcomes were flap success rates, development of orocutaneous or oronasal fistula, rate of resuming oral diet as well as the occurrence of medical and surgical complications in the first month following surgery. The tested hypothesis was formulated before data collection began.ResultsTwenty‐five patients were identified by the study criteria. There was one (4%) flap that failed, while orocutaneous fistula occurred in two patients (8%). Prior history of osteoradionecrosis was a statistically significant predictor of overall complication (p < .05).ConclusionsIntraoral myogenous reconstruction allows for re‐mucosalization of the oral cavity defect and is associated with high viability and low‐complication rates. In patients with amenable oral mucosal defects, a myogenous scapular tip free flap is a suitable reconstructive option.

The use of the facial artery musculomucosal flap for reconstruction of oral cavity defects after cancer resection

Background. Reconstruction of defects following surgery for head and neck cancer possess challenges for surgeons. The choice of the reconstruction option is determined by various factors, namely: the size and location of the defect, patients’ age, concomitant pathology, prognosis of the disease, and individual decisions of surgeons and patients. Microvascular surgery is a highly successful and relatively safe method for the reconstruction of large head and neck defects. However, the use of revascularized autografts is not possible in all categories of patients, and therefore the search for new reconstruction techniques is necessary to improve functional, aesthetic results and reduce trauma.Material and methods. The use of different types of facial artery mucous-muscular (FAMM) flaps for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects after tumor resection was analyzed. From June 2020 to march 2021, 7 patients with histologically verified t2–4N0–1 oral cancer were treated at Blokhin National medical Research center of oncology (Moscow). The patients underwent tumor resection with one-stage reconstruction using different types of FAMM flaps. All patients underwent adjuvant radiation therapy.Results. When cutting out the flap, an additional skin incision was not performed, the defect in the oral cavity was replaced by tissues of the same composition while preserving the small salivary glands, respectively, there was no hair growth and a defect in the donor bed. None of the cases had malnutrition of the flap.Conclusion. Good functional and cosmetic results in patients who underwent FAMM flap reconstruction may set a new standard in the replacement of small-to medium-size soft tissue defects in the oral cavity

Novel modification of infrahyoid myocutaneous flap for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects

This study was intended to describe the technique used and the results obtained with the modification of the infrahyoid flap (IHF) for the reconstruction of oral tongue defects following resection for advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Patients with oral tongue defects following ablation for T2 to T4a SCC had reconstructions using a modified infrahyoid flap. Demographic data, tumour characteristics, and the complications were evaluated for each patient. We observed no complications regarding the healing process of the donor site or success of the flap in 49 (of 55) patients. None of the flaps had massive oedema or venous congestion in the postoperative period. Six patients experienced flap-related complications of which five had partial skin paddle necrosis, but eventually their flaps recovered and re-epithelialised without any further intervention. However, total flap necrosis was seen in one patient in whom a pectoralis major flap was used for the defect reconstruction following revision surgery. History of previous radiotherapy to the neck (p = 0.003), tumour stage (p = 0.017), and metastasis to cervical lymph nodes (p = 0.004) were associated with higher prevalence of partial or total flap necrosis. The modified infrahyoid flap is a reliable, quick, and simple procedure with a reasonable cost that makes it a valuable option for the reconstruction of the oropharynx and oral cavity with minimal donor site morbidity and good outcomes. It seems the modified IHF is a valid surgical procedure that may be considered in selected patients undergoing reconstruction of oncological oral tongue defects with fewer complications.

Ağız İçi Kanserlerin Eksizyonu Sonrasında Gelişen Defektlerin Serbest Fleplerle Rekonstrüksiyonu

Ağız İçi Kanserlerin Eksizyonu Sonrasında Gelişen Defektlerin Serbest Fleplerle Rekonstrüksiyonu

The supraclavicular artery island flap in oral cavity reconstruction

To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the SAI flap as an alternative for free flap in reconstruction of oral cavity defects.

Functional Outcomes of the Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap in Oral Cavity Reconstruction.

The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap is an ideal option for reconstruction of oral cavity defects owing to its thin and pliable nature and favorable donor site. Our study presents an assessment of functional outcomes including speech and swallowing in patients with oral cavity tumors reconstructed with MSAP flaps. Patients undergoing MSAP reconstruction for oral cavity tumors between January 2014 and January 2018 were identified from our prospective head and neck cancer database. Functional outcomes were assessed in conjunction with the Speech and Language Team with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Function (speech and swallowing) was recorded as a performance status scale set up by the assessing health care professional. A total of 38 patients underwent reconstruction with the MSAP flap over the study period. The patient cohort included 10 female patients and 28 male patients. The age range was from 30 to 78 years, with a mean age of 56.8 years. Complications included 1 flap loss and 1 donor site wound dehiscence.Most patients (84.2%) had intelligible speech at 6-month follow-up and further improvement at 1 year (92.1%). All patients resumed feeding on postoperative day 4, and only 7.8% (n = 3) of the patients required assistance with feeding at 1-year follow-up. The MSAP flap provides adequate small-volume replacement for oral cavity reconstructions. Our results indicate that most patients achieve a full diet with no restrictions by 1 year after reconstruction. Most of our patients demonstrated excellent speech with little or no need for repetition in conversation. Over the past few years, this has become the flap of choice for oral cavity reconstruction in our unit.

Submental island flap vs free tissue transfer in oral cavity reconstruction: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The submental island flap (SMIF) is frequently utilized as an alternative to free tissue transfer (FTT) in oral cavity reconstruction. Studies directly comparing SMIF and FTT for oral cavity defects were included. Data were pooled with random-effects meta-analysis to calculate standardized mean differences and risk differences. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 statistic. Five studies were included in the analysis. The aggregate sample sizes for SMIF and FTT cohorts were 122 and 127, respectively. SMIF was correlated with both reduced operative time and hospitalization by a large effect size. The rate of total flap loss was comparable. SMIF was associated with lower donor site morbidity. There was no difference in the rate of disease recurrence between the two procedures. SMIF is associated with less operative time, shorter hospitalization, fewer perioperative complications, and potentially similar disease recurrence rates compared to FTT for the reconstruction of oral cavity defects.

Predictors of Complications After Flap Reconstruction of Oral Cavity Defects Following Ablation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Head and neck cancers represent the sixth most common cancer worldwide with an incidence of over 600,000 new cases per year. More than 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) that arise from the mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx. Objective: The aim of the current work was to investigate the predictors of complications after flap reconstruction of oral cavity defects following ablation of squamous cell carcinoma. Patients and methods: This prospective comparative study included a total of 41 patients who diagnosed to have oral SCCs, attending at the outpatient clinic of Head and Neck Surgery Unit, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo University and Aswan University Hospital. Written informed consent of all the subjects was obtained after explaining the benefits and hazards for each method step. This study was conducted between 2015 to 2018. Approval of the ethical committee was obtained. Results: Patients with positive history of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRTH) are 52% less likely to developing complications than those with negative history of neoadjuvant CRTH. Detection of the short-term oncologic outcome; in the 4 flaps was better in contralateral submental island flap (CSMIF) cases than others. CSMIF were found to be 58% less liable for recurrence in comparison with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMCF) that was why it didn't show any clinical or radiologically detectable recurrence within the period of 24 months postoperatively. Thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps were 2.6 times more liable for recurrence in comparison with PMMCF. RFFF flaps were found to be 1.2 times more liable for recurrence in comparison with PMMCF. Conclusion: The chosen 4 flaps for this study are applicable to be used for post ablative oral cavity reconstruction. Our flaps were equal in suitability for defect coverage (50-60%).

Predictors of Complications After Flap Reconstruction of Oral Cavity Defects Following Ablation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Head and neck cancers represent the sixth most common cancer worldwide with an incidence of over 600,000 new cases per year. More than 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) that arise from the mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx. Objective: The aim of the current work was to investigate the predictors of complications after flap reconstruction of oral cavity defects following ablation of squamous cell carcinoma. Patients and methods: This prospective comparative study included a total of 41 patients who diagnosed to have oral SCCs, attending at the outpatient clinic of Head and Neck Surgery Unit, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo University and Aswan University Hospital. Written informed consent of all the subjects was obtained after explaining the benefits and hazards for each method step. This study was conducted between 2015 to 2018. Approval of the ethical committee was obtained. Results: Patients with positive history of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRTH) are 52% less likely to developing complications than those with negative history of neoadjuvant CRTH. Detection of the short-term oncologic outcome; in the 4 flaps was better in contralateral submental island flap (CSMIF) cases than others. CSMIF were found to be 58% less liable for recurrence in comparison with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMCF) that was why it didn't show any clinical or radiologically detectable recurrence within the period of 24 months postoperatively. Thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps were 2.6 times more liable for recurrence in comparison with PMMCF. RFFF flaps were found to be 1.2 times more liable for recurrence in comparison with PMMCF. Conclusion: The chosen 4 flaps for this study are applicable to be used for post ablative oral cavity reconstruction. Our flaps were equal in suitability for defect coverage (50-60%).