The nasolabial approach: a potential alternative to the lip-splitting incision for maxillectomy

Gain of exposure provided by extended incision in lateral rhinotomy approach: A cadaveric study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the gain of exposure provided by extensions of the lateral rhinotomy (LR) incision, including subciliary extension, lip-splitting extension, or both (Weber-Fergusson incision), by comparing the surgical field obtained with every incision. The final goal is to better delineate the indications of each approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective study on fresh frozen specimens. A LR incision was first performed, and then extended by subciliary and/or lip-splitting incisions. The exposure of the anterior facial skeleton and of the deep retromaxillar spaces (pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa) were assessed. The distance between the nasal bone and the most lateral part of the exposure was measured.

RESULTS

Dissection was performed on 4 specimens, with 7 LR. Three LR incisions were extended with subciliary incision, 3 with lip-splitting incision, and 4 with Weber-Fergusson incision. LR incision alone gave only limited access to the lateral orbital rim, the zygomatic arch and the maxillary tuberosity. Both subciliary and lip-splitting incisions gave access to the lateral orbital rim and to the zygomatic arch, but only upper lip incision provided a good access to the maxillary tuberosity. Weber-Fergusson did not significantly increase the surgical field obtained with lip-splitting extension alone. The exposure of the deep retromaxillar spaces was the same in all cases.

CONCLUSION

LR incision with lip-splitting extension provided an optimal access to the anterior facial skeleton and to the maxillary tuberosity. In terms of exposure, it was equivalent to Weber-Fergusson approach. The exposure of deep spaces was the same regardless of the incision.

Treatment strategy of a huge ameloblastic carcinoma

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a very rare malignant odontogenic tumor. We report a case of secondary-type ameloblastic carcinoma that extended transversally over almost half of the side of the face. Malignant transformation and identification of the malignant region in the large tumor were achieved using L-3-[F]fluoro-α-methyltyrosine (FAMT)-positron emission tomography (PET); FAMT is transported into cancer cells by L-type amino acid transporter 1 and shows high specificity for malignant tumors. The malignant region determined by microscopic evaluation of resected samples was similar to the region showing high FAMT uptake in PET. Using preoperative FAMT-PET and magnetic resonance imaging, we were able to achieve total resection of the very large tumor, while avoiding excessive resection that could cause severe functional loss or a poor aesthetic facial appearance. We used a modified Weber-Fergusson incision along the nasolabial fold to the labiajugal fold and reconstruction with a pectoralis major muscle flap, and this gave a good aesthetic outcome. Safe surgical resection was possible because preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography angiography was used to identify the position of the main trunk of the external carotid artery, which was closely aligned with the tumor in a posterior direction in the infratemporal fossa region.

Maxillary reconstruction using vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap and iliac bone through modified lateral lip-submandibular approach

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to demonstrate total maxillary reconstruction using 1 vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap segment alone and nonvascularized iliac crest bone through the modified lateral lip-submandibular approach. At the same time, three-dimensional virtual technology was performed as well.

METHODS

Nine patients suffering from total maxillary defects, who had undergone maxillary reconstruction using 1 vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap segment and nonvascularized iliac bone through the modified lateral lip-submandibular approach, were reviewed for this study. Before the surgery, patients' computed tomography scan data were virtually analyzed using SimPlant Pro software (version 11.04).

RESULTS

Healing courses were uneventful in all patients; acceptable maxillomandibular relationship, mouth opening, and speech were assessed as normal in all. There were no long-term functional limitations of the lower limb, even though all complain of dysfunction of the first toe, which developed the deformity of the claw toe in the end. Other complications did not occur such as diplopia, ectropion, flap necrosis, facial paralysis, and sensory numbness in the lower lip.

CONCLUSIONS

The maxillary reconstruction using 1 vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap segment and nonvascularized iliac crest bone through the modified lateral lip-submandibular approach is a feasible and acceptable technique because of multiple advantages. Combined with the three-dimensional virtual technology, the technique can improve the postoperative outcomes.