Trapezius flaps for reconstruction of head and neck defects following oncological resection - A systematic review

Preoperative perforator mapping of anterolateral thigh flaps using computed tomographic angiography and visual coordinate system for the reconstruction of head and neck defects

OBJECTIVES

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a versatile workhorse flap for the reconstruction of head and neck defects; however, variations in the location of perforators are a significant concern. This prospective study proposes a rapid, effective, and convenient method for mapping the location of sizeable perforators on the curved thigh skin surface using the visual coordinate system in computed tomographic angiography (CTA) images.

METHODS

Fourteen patients suffering from defects after head and neck carcinoma resection underwent CTA prior to ALT flap reconstruction at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2018 to August 2021. Using sterile gauze swab developing lines pasted on the patients' thighs, we established a coordinate system visualized both in CTA images and the thighs. The perforator information was then compared between the CTA and intraoperative findings.

RESULTS

Twenty-one perforators were detected on CTA in the designed flaps, which were also confirmed during the operation with a visual pulse. The course and source of the perforators were consistent with the intraoperative findings. The distances of perforator coordinate points between CTA and intraoperative findings were <5 mm. Another five perforators (mostly without visual pulse) found intraoperatively could not be identified on preoperative CTA. Most flaps survived in their entirety, and one flap suffered a small area of necrosis due to perforator compression.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the efficacy of a novel perforator mapping method for anterolateral thigh flaps.

The Dorsal Scapular Artery Perforator Flap: A Complete Muscle-sparing Technique

Cervical and thoracic spine reconstruction can be a difficult area to provide stable soft tissue coverage. Historically, trapezius myocutaneous flaps and trapezius muscle turnover flaps have proven to be reliable and versatile methods for the reconstruction of these areas. However, sequelae such as restriction of shoulder movement have been reported, as well as unsightly “humpback” contour deformities from turnover flap bulk. The use of the trapezius muscle for coverage has evolved to include descriptions of a trapezius perforator flap to address some of the issues of donor site morbidity, as it is described as a muscle-sparing technique. Although described as “muscle-sparing,” these approaches nonetheless involve sacrifice of trapezius muscle overlying the pedicle as that musculature is “deroofed” and divided off the pedicle during dissection. In this article, we present a detailed technical description of our novel technique to the trapezius perforator flap using a dorsal scapular artery flap for spinal reconstruction that is truly, completely muscle-sparing. This technique may prove useful for those patients in which even minimal disruption of trapezius muscle fibers is undesirable.

Combined iliac crest graft and short-scar pectoralis major flap for clavicular non-union reconstruction

Recently, we reported defect coverage in the clavicular region with a scar-sparing pectoralis major flap. We successfully combine this flap with a clavicular reconstruction by an iliac bone graft for non-union now. We propose this reconstructive combination for cases of clavicular non-union with lack of soft tissue coverage.

Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects on the Face, Neck, and Chest by Expanded Cervico-Acromial Flap

BACKGROUND

Repairing the defects of face and neck remains a big challenge for plastic surgeons. Here we present a case series of pre-expanded cervico-acromial flaps in the repair of soft tissue defects.

METHOD

This is a retrospective study that a total of 126 patients between 2001 and 2019 were included. One patient was excluded since he did not complete the treatment. All patients were followed for at least 0.5 years (range: 0.5-4 years, mean 2.50 years) after surgery.

RESULTS

All patients are satisfied with the appearance. The color and texture of expanded flaps were similar to surroundings. One patient (0.8%) had complete necrosis and received skin grafts. The size of cervico-acromial was 26-10 × 14-6 cm (mean, 15.389 ± 2.701× 8.341 ± 1.075 cm). The time of operation during stage 1 was 59.254 ± 9.895 minutes, 96.912 ± 18.936 minutes during stage 2, and 38.146 ± 9.478 minutes during stage 3. Surgical complication rate was 14.3%, given that 18 patients had complications following the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The cercico-acromial flap is a reliable and multifunctional method for face, neck, and chest reconstruction.

Regional Salvage Flap Options in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Microvascular free tissue transfer is the standard in the complex head and neck reconstruction with success rates greater than 95%. Free tissue transfer allows for more versatility in reconstructing complex defects with better tissue match. Failures, however, do occur and subsequent free tissue transfer might not be an option due to either the patients' health or in a vessel depleted neck. In these challenging salvage scenarios, the head and neck reconstructive surgeon must turn to regional flaps for reconstruction. Here, we review multiple regional flap options for salvage head and neck reconstruction.

Surgical Techniques for Head and Neck Reconstruction in the Vessel-Depleted Neck

The vessel-depleted neck presents a unique and challenging scenario for reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. Prior surgery and radiation often result in significant scarring and damage to the neck vasculature, making identification of suitable recipient vessels for microvascular free tissue transfer exceedingly difficult. Therefore, alternative reconstructive techniques and/or vessel options must be considered to obtain a successful reconstructive outcome for a patient. In this article, we discuss our experience and approach to the management of the vessel-depleted neck, emphasizing the importance of preoperative planning and having multiple backup options prior to surgery. The various preoperative imaging modalities and available options for recipient arteries and veins are presented in detail. Additionally, we discuss modifications of select free flaps to maximize their utility in successful reconstruction. Together with thoughtful preoperative planning, these techniques can help aid the reconstructive surgeon in addressing the complex decisions associated with the vessel-depleted neck.

Utility and relevance of modified lateral trapezius myocutaneous flap as a locoregional reconstructive option for medium-sized ablative defects in head and neck cancer-our experience

PURPOSE

Lateral trapezius myocutaneous (LTMC) flap has been used less frequently for defects pertaining to head and neck cancer ablative surgical defects. This study is to assess the utility of LTMC flap with a new modification of the flap design.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study using LTMC flap with modifications as a reconstructive option for intraoral & extraoral skin defects in head and neck cancer patients following ablative surgery, from August 2014 to October 2019 in a tertiary care hospital. The original technique of LTMC flap was modified for better results and outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients underwent lateral trapezius flap reconstruction for ablative defects of oral cavity, laryngopharynx, neck and parotid. Twenty-three patients (65.71%) underwent adjuvant radiation/radiation-chemotherapy while one patient defaulted. Two patients (5.71%) had major flap failure. After the loss of flap in these patients, the operative technique was further modified for better results. However, the disadvantage of using this flap is shoulder disability. Nonetheless in the present study, the disability was reduced after modifying the operating technique by preserving the spinal accessory nerve.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated minimal functional loss, low morbidity with satisfactory results, thus also reducing treatment cost. Thus, LTMC is a reliable reconstructive option in head and neck cancer patients for medium-sized defects.