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Scampa M, Mégevand V, Martineau J, Schaefer DJ, Kalbermatten DF, Oranges CM. Medial Femoral Condyle Free Flap: A Systematic Review and Proportional Meta-analysis of Applications and Surgical Outcomes. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2024; 12:e5708. [PMID: 38596574 PMCID: PMC11000773 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Recalcitrant bone nonunion and osseous defect treatment is challenging and often requires vascularized bone transfer. The medial femoral condyle flap has become an increasingly popular option for reconstruction. The study aims at reviewing its different applications and synthesizing its surgical outcomes. Method A systematic review including all studies assessing surgical outcomes of free medial femoral condyle flap for bone reconstruction in adults was conducted on January 31, 2023. Flap failure and postoperative complications were synthesized with a proportional meta-analysis. Results Forty articles describing bony reconstruction in the head and neck, upper limb, and lower limb areas were selected. Indications ranged from bony nonunion and bone defects to avascular bone necrosis. Multiple flaps were raised as either pure periosteal, cortico-periosteal, cortico-cancellous-periosteal, or cortico-chondro-periosteal. A minority of composite flaps were reported. Overall failure rate was 1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.00-0.08] in head & neck applications, 4% in the lower limb (95% CI, 0.00-0.16), 2% in the upper limb (95% CI, 0.00-0.06), and 1% in articles analyzing various locations simultaneously (95% CI, 0.00-0.04). Overall donor site complication rate was 4% (95% CI, 0.01-0.06). Major reported complications were: femoral fractures (n = 3), superficial femoral artery injury (n = 1), medial collateral ligament injury (n = 1), and septic shock due to pace-maker colonization (n = 1). Conclusion The medial femoral condyle flap is a versatile option for bone reconstruction with high success rates and low donor site morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Scampa
- From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir Mégevand
- From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Plastic surgery, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, St Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jérôme Martineau
- From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dirk J. Schaefer
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic, and Hand Surgery, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel F. Kalbermatten
- From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Carlo M. Oranges
- From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
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Patel NK, Tipps JA, Bartlett SP, Kovach SJ, Levin LS, Mendenhall SD. Expanding Indications of the Medial Femoral Condyle Free Flap: Systematic Review in Head and Neck Reconstruction. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2023; 11:e4925. [PMID: 37035122 PMCID: PMC10079347 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
The medial femoral condyle free flap serves as an attractive reconstructive option for small- to intermediate-sized bony defects. It is commonly applied in the extremities with limited reports in the head and neck. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results Seventeen articles met inclusion criteria, yielding 166 cases for analysis, with a majority of the cohort from a single study (n = 107; 64.4%). However, all included studies represented novel reconstructive sites and surgical indications. Flap components were described in 157 cases; periosteum was used only in four cases (2.5%), whereas all others are composed of cortical bone combined with periosteum, cancellous bone, and/or cartilage (97.5%). Additionally, a skin island was used in 43 cases (25.9%). Flap measurements were reported in 51 cases, averaging 4.5 ± 2.7 cm in length. Seven cases listed skin island dimensions, averaging 20.2 ± 12.8 cm2. The descending genicular artery was the primary pedicle employed (n = 162; 97.6%), while the superior medial genicular was used in the descending genicular artery's absence (n = 4; 2.4%). Descending genicular artery pedicle length from 15 reporting cases averaged 6.4 ± 1.2 cm. Successful reconstructions totaled 160 cases (96.4%). Recipient complications were seen in 16 cases (9.6%) with six constituting flap failures (3.6%). Donor site complications were minimal (n = 6; 3.6%); however, this included one major complication of femoral shaft fracture. Conclusion The medial femoral condyle free flap is an effective reconstructive option for the head and neck due to its versatile nature, low complication profile at both recipient and donor site, ease of harvest, and two-team approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki K. Patel
- From the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Oral Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - John A. Tipps
- From the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Oral Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Scott P. Bartlett
- From the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Oral Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Stephen J. Kovach
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - L. Scott Levin
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Shaun D. Mendenhall
- From the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Oral Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa
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Tsao CK, Liao KH, Hsiao HY, Liu YH, Wu CT, Cheng MH, Zhong WB. Tracheal reconstruction with pedicled tandem grafts engineered by a radial stretch bioreactor. J Biomater Appl 2022; 37:118-131. [PMID: 35412872 DOI: 10.1177/08853282221082357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The engineering of tracheal substitutes is pivotal in improving tracheal reconstruction. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of biomechanical stimulation on tissue engineering tracheal cartilage by mimicking the trachea motion through a novel radial stretching bioreactor, which enables to dynamically change the diameter of the hollow cylindrical implants. Applying our bioreactor, we demonstrated that chondrocytes seeded on the surface of Poly (ε-caprolactone) scaffold respond to mechanical stimulation by improvement of infiltration into implants and upregulation of cartilage-specific genes. Further, the mechanical stimulation enhanced the accumulation of cartilage neo-tissues and cartilage-specific extracellular macromolecules in the muscle flap-remodeled implants and reconstructed trachea. Nevertheless, the invasion of fibrous tissues in the reconstructed trachea was suppressed upon mechanical loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Kan Tsao
- Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hao Liao
- Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yi Hsiao
- Center for Tissue Engineering, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Hen Liu
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Tsai Wu
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Huei Cheng
- Center of Lymphedema Microsurgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Bin Zhong
- Center for Tissue Engineering, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Center for Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, 38014Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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4
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Analysis of various defects and reconstructive methods after invasive thyroid carcinoma resection. Auris Nasus Larynx 2022; 49:1027-1032. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The trachea is an enigmatic organ due to its complex morphology. Although circumferential tracheal defects are extremely difficult to repair with autologous tissue or with an allotransplant, the trachea has been touted as the first organ that could be regenerated. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the published evidence in tracheal tissue replacement surgery. RECENT FINDINGS In recent years, reports of successful tracheal regeneration have attracted great interest. Despite descriptions of the trachea as a perhaps uniquely regeneratable tissue since 2008, critical reporting provided insights into the more complex realities of tracheal regeneration attempts and led to the retraction of some articles making tracheal regeneration claims. Allotransplantation of the trachea is hindered by numerous difficult obstacles. The most promising approach developed thus far for difficult-to-repair patch airway defects is tracheal allotransplantation, which allows for tapering and withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy. SUMMARY Restoration of a long-segment circumferential tracheal defect remains an unmet challenge. Future clinical studies require thoroughly documented visual evidence of outcomes to reduce confusion surrounding tracheal replacement and to prevent future scandals like those seen previously in the tracheal regeneration story. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COOT/A6.
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di Summa PG, Sapino G, Zaugg P, Raffoul W, Guillier D. The periosteal-cutaneous chimeric medial femoral condyle free flap for subtotal ear reconstruction: A case report. Microsurgery 2020; 40:814-817. [PMID: 32959940 DOI: 10.1002/micr.30657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
When costal graft is contraindicated or refused by the patient, autologous total/subtotal auricular reconstruction represent a real challenge as limited surgical options has been described. Aim of present report is to offer a novel possible autologous reconstruction of the ear frame using a chimeric free medial femoral condyle (MFC) flap. We present a case of a 29 years old patient who had total loss of the upper 2/3 of the right ear after bombing in Somalia and secondary infected condritis (considered a relative contraindication for costal cartilage graft). The MFC flap was harvested with a chimeric skin paddle (7 × 5 cm), a thin sheet of femoral cortex (6.5 × 8 cm) was used as basal ear frame, while part of the contralateral concha was trimmed as support for the helix, with the periosteal component of the flap wrapping around the whole framework. The chimeric skin paddle assured the retroauricular skin coverage, while the anterior part of the construct was covered by a thinned dermal flap. Postoperative course was uneventful. A defatting procedure of the posterior skin paddle was performed at 2 months post-op. At 6 months post-op, the patient was satisfied with the result, could wear glasses and was socially integrated. This new application of the free chimeric MFC flap, despite being not the primary choice for ear reconstruction, guaranteed satisfactory results in terms of ear shape and infection prevention and may be considered when ordinary cartilage rib reconstruction is refused, contraindicated, or failed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro G di Summa
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca Sapino
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Patrice Zaugg
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Cantonal Hospital of Sierre, Sierre, Switzerland
| | - Wassim Raffoul
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Guillier
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Dijion, Dijion, France
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Intraoperative anatomy of the vascular supply to the medial femoral condyle. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2019; 72:1503-1508. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Medial femoral condyle free flap for head and neck reconstruction. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019; 27:130-135. [DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Liu J, Lu D, Deng D, Wang J, Gan W, Zou J, Chen F, Yang H. Free posterior tibial artery perforator flap for 2-stage tracheal reconstruction in patients after resection of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma invading the trachea. Head Neck 2019; 41:2249-2255. [PMID: 30729609 PMCID: PMC6618072 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The present study was conducted to explore the efficacy of using a free posterior tibial artery perforator flap (FPTAPF) for trachea reconstruction after resection of well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) invading the trachea. Methods We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical and surgical data from 14 patients who underwent tracheal reconstruction using a FPTAPF after resection of WDTC invading the trachea between August 2014 and July 2017. Results Satisfactory tracheal structure and functional recovery were obtained in 11 of the 14 patients. One patient had breathing difficulties after tracheostomy closure tests because of bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve damage caused by disease invasion. Tracheostomy incision was not closed in 2 patients because they received postoperative adjuvant radioactive iodine 131 treatment. Conclusion Satisfactory tracheal reconstruction results were achieved in patients with resection of WDTC invading the trachea, indicating that a FPTAPF is a safe and reliable choice for management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Di Deng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ji Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weigang Gan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Donor-Site Morbidity of Vascularized Bone Flaps from the Distal Femur: A Systematic Review. Plast Reconstr Surg 2019; 142:363e-372e. [PMID: 30148786 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000004691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascularized grafts from the femur, including the medial femoral condyle and medial femoral trochlea, are increasingly being used. It is critical to understand the lower extremity complications from flap harvest. METHODS The authors searched available literature reporting on femoral flaps using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database, and Web of Science. After article selection, data were collected regarding demographics, procedure details, outcomes, and complications. The authors classified outcomes as good, fair, or poor based on pain, range-of-motion, sensory changes, subjective reporting, patient-reported outcomes, and other donor-site complications, including the need for additional procedures. RESULTS Two hundred twenty articles were identified. Forty-five met criteria for review, with data available for 283 patients. No patients had range-of-motion deficits beyond 1 year. Two percent of patients (six of 283) required additional donor-site procedures, with one report of a femur fracture after medial femoral condyle harvest. Only one study on 45 medial femoral trochlea patients presented patient-reported outcomes regarding the knee. Few objective data were presented. Twenty-eight articles presented adequate complication data for 252 patients to be rated as good, fair, or poor. Overall, 89 percent had good outcomes without donor-site complications. Of the 176 medial femoral condyle patients with outcomes reported, 92 percent had good outcomes; and 71 percent of the 48 medial femoral trochlea patients had good outcomes reported. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the reported donor-site morbidity from medial femoral condyle and medial femoral trochlea harvest is low. Chronic knee pain and sensory changes are most frequently reported, especially in medial femoral trochlea patients.
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Kubo T, Kurita T, Tashima H, Suzuki M, Uemura H, Fujii T, Seike S, Inohara H, Hosokawa K. Immediate tracheal reconstruction with forearm flap and bone graft. Microsurgery 2018; 39:46-52. [PMID: 30159916 DOI: 10.1002/micr.30365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Window" resection of the trachea is sometimes performed to remove tumors invading the trachea. Here, we present a novel reconstructive procedure to this end. METHODS Eleven patients (mean age, 64 years; range, 46-80 years) were included. Primary diagnoses included thyroid cancer and adenoid cystic carcinoma of the trachea. All defects were partial and located in the neck (mean width and length, 3/5 circle and 7.5 rings; range, 1/2-2/3 circle and 5-9 rings). Immediate 2-stage reconstruction was performed using a forearm flap and free bone graft. The bone graft was utilized as a supportive skeleton. A tracheostoma was left open for several months following the initial surgery, and then closed. RESULTS The mean flap size was 6.1 × 9.7 cm (range, 6-7 × 7-16 cm). Mean number of grafted bone strips and length were 1.6 (range, 1-3) and 6.1 cm (range, 4.5-7 cm). All flaps survived. Five patients developed complications in the neck, including surgical site infections (SSIs), recurrent nerve palsy, and lymphorrhea. Four patients developed donor site complications, including clavicular fracture and SSIs. Mean postoperative follow-up lasted 85 months (range, 11-149 months). Normal speech was restored in 9 patients. Stoma closure was abandoned in 2 patients, because 1 patient showed vocal cord fixation with advanced age and the other showed bone graft loss following SSI. CONCLUSIONS Creating a tracheostoma during the first operation prevents postoperative airway compromise. Our bone graft placement easily achieves tracheal rigidity. This procedure is simple and safe for tracheal window defect repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tateki Kubo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kurita
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tashima
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Motoyuki Suzuki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Uemura
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Takashi Fujii
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shien Seike
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidenori Inohara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ko Hosokawa
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Den Hondt M, Vranckx JJ. Reconstruction of defects of the trachea. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2017; 28:24. [PMID: 28070690 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-016-5835-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The trachea has a complex anatomy to fulfill its tasks. Its unique fibro-cartilaginous structure maintains an open conduit during respiration, and provides vertical elasticity for deglutition, mobility of the neck and speech. Blood vessels pierce the intercartilaginous ligaments to perfuse the ciliated epithelium, which ensures effective mucociliary clearance. Removal of a tracheal segment affected by benign or malignant disease requires airtight restoration of the continuity of the tube. When direct approximation of both tracheal ends is no longer feasible, a reconstruction is needed. This may occur in recurrent short-segment defects in a scarred environment, or in defects comprising more than half the length of the trachea. The resulting gap must be filled with vascularized tissue that restores the mucosal lining and supports the semi-rigid, semi-flexible framework of the trachea. For long-segment or circular defects, restoration of this unique biomechanical profile becomes even more important. Due to the inherent difficulty of creating such a tube, a tracheostomy or palliative stenting are often preferred over permanent reconstruction. To significantly improve and sustain quality of life of these patients, surgeons proposed innovative strategies for complex tracheal repair. In this review, we provide an overview of current clinical applications of tracheal repair using autologous and allogenic tissues. We look at recent advances in the field of tissue engineering, and the areas for improvement of these first human applications. Lastly, we highlight the focus of our research, in an effort to contribute to the development of optimized tracheal reconstructive techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Den Hondt
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Jeroen Vranckx
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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