Primary Reconstruction of the Maxilla Following Maxillectomy With or Without Sacrifice of the Orbit

Stacked fibula flap for unilateral total maxillectomy reconstruction with orbital preservation

Unilateral total maxillectomy is indicated for locally advanced maxillary tumors that require complete removal of the midface bony structure and inferior orbital rim. Reconstruction of this defect is challenging due to aesthetic and functional concerns. A retrospective review of patients at two tertiary-care institutions undergoing unilateral total maxillectomy reconstruction with a stacked fibula flap from 2018 to 2022 was performed. Each patient's clinical course was reviewed, and attention was focused on the demonstration of surgical steps with photos. Twenty patients underwent stacked fibula flap reconstruction for unilateral total maxillectomy orbital preservation defects. Surgical extirpation was performed for malignancy (80%, 16/20) and for osteoradionecrosis or benign tumor in 20% (4/20). The complication rate was 30% (6/20). Most flaps survived (95%, 19/20). We present a modified, reproducible method of fibula flap reconstruction for unilateral total maxillectomy with orbital preservation that only requires two segments and maintains positive aesthetic and functional results.

Association of Virtual Surgical Planning With External Incisions in Complex Maxillectomy Reconstruction

Importance

Maxillectomy can commonly be performed through a transoral approach, but maxillectomy defect reconstruction can be difficult to precisely design, contour, and inset through this approach.

Objective

To evaluate whether the use of virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3-dimensional (3-D) modeling is associated with a decrease in the requirement of lateral rhinotomy (LR) for patients undergoing total and partial maxillectomy reconstruction.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients undergoing subtotal or total maxillectomy with microvascular free flap reconstruction with or without VSP and 3-D modeling at a single tertiary care academic medical center between January 1, 2008, and October 3, 2019.

Interventions

Maxillectomy and free flap reconstruction with or without VSP.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Necessity of LR or other external incision for contouring, placement, and fixation of reconstruction as well as surgical complications.

Results

Fifteen patients (12 men [80%]; mean age, 64 years) underwent maxillectomy with free flap reconstruction without VSP. Eight patients (53%) in this group underwent total maxillectomy, and 4 patients in this group (27%) underwent partial maxillectomy. Twenty-three patients (18 men [78%]; mean age, 58 years) underwent maxillectomy with free flap reconstruction and VSP and 3-D modeling. Twelve of these patients (52%) underwent total maxillectomy, and 11 (48%) underwent partial maxillectomy. Lateral rhinotomy was necessary for 1 patient (4%) in the VSP group vs 12 patients (80%; 95% CI, 54%-98%) in the pre-VSP group. There were no LR complications in the VSP group vs 6 in the pre-VSP group. Among both groups, 14 patients underwent fibula free flap, 22 patients underwent subscapular system free flap, and 2 patients underwent cutaneous or osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap. There were no flap failures in the LR group and 1 flap failure in the group without LR.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study suggests that the use of VSP and 3-D modeling for maxillectomy reconstruction is associated the a decrease in the need for external incisions without compromising reconstructive flap utility.

Considerations in Free Flap Reconstruction of the Midface

Midface reconstruction has been a consistent challenge for reconstructive surgeons even with the significant advances in technology and technique achieved over the recent years. A meticulous preoperative assessment of the patient is required to properly assess the defect or anticipated defect, determine proper reconstructive surgical plan, and discuss expected functional and aesthetic outcomes with the patient. For years we have employed local flaps, regional flaps, obturators, alloplastic implants, free flaps, or a combination of the previously mentioned techniques to address complex midface reconstruction. Free flap reconstruction in the midface requires special considerations for the pedicle, flap selection, and flap design to ensure an optimal outcome. The introduction of virtual surgical planning for reconstruction has enhanced patient outcomes to include advances in immediate dental rehabilitation at the time of free flap surgery. Postoperative considerations including quality of life, functional and aesthetic outcomes, and management of complications will also be discussed.

Improved procedure for Brown's Class III maxillary reconstruction with composite deep circumflex iliac artery flap using computer-assisted technique

Reconstruction of Brown's Class III maxillary defect can be challenging due to the complex geometry of maxilla. We aimed to introduce an improved method for maxillary reconstruction with a composite deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap aided by virtual surgical planning and intraoperative navigation. A 27-year-old woman diagnosed with left maxillary fibromyxoma was admitted to our institution in December 2018. Pre-operative facial and iliac computed tomography data were obtained for virtual surgical planning. Personalized cutting template, tooth-supported surgical guide, and rapid prototype model with reconstructed orbital floor were printed for pre-operative preparation. Surgery was completely guided by the intraoperative navigation system. The root mean square estimate of the reconstructed area was 3.68 mm. The average errors measured on the lateral and medial DCIA segments were 0.61 and 0.85 mm, respectively. Application of virtual surgical planning and intraoperative navigation could potentially enhance the reconstruction outcomes.

Osteoradionecrosis of the Maxilla: Conservative Management and Reconstructive Considerations

The implementation of radiotherapy in the multimodal treatment of advanced head and neck cancer has greatly improved survival rates. In some patients, however, this benefit comes at the potential expense of the tissue surrounding the primary site of malignancy. Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the facial bones, in particular the maxilla, is a debilitating complication of radiation therapy. Exposure to ionizing radiation results in devitalization of underlying bone with necrosis of adjacent soft tissue. Controversy surrounding appropriate early intervention in ORN persists and no consensus for clinical treatment has been established. In the present article, we review the pathophysiology of maxillary ORN and discuss the role of both conservative medical therapy and reconstruction.

Rehabilitation after maxillectomy in patients with implant-retained obturator: A preliminary report

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of implant-retained obturator rehabilitation after maxillectomy, based on quality of life (QOL) and masticatory function.

STUDY DESIGN

The present study included 12 patients who underwent dental implant surgery after maxillectomy. Oral health-related QOL and masticatory function before and after completion of implant-retained obturator rehabilitation were evaluated.

RESULTS

Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form (OHIP-14) scores showed significant differences in the domain for functional limitation (before, 4.08 ± 2.47; after, 1.33 ± 0.98; P < .01); physical pain (before, 2.75 ± 2.05; after, 0.42 ± 0.51; P < .01); physical disability (before, 3.24 ± 2.11; after, 1.33 ± 1.30; P < .01), psychological disability (before, 3.83 ± 2.48; after, 1.67 ± 2.50; P < .01); social disability (before, 2.17 ± 1.75; after, 1.08 ± 1.38; P < .05); handicap (before, 3.17 ± 1.90; after, 1.08 ± 1.00; P < .01); and total score (before, 22.41 ± 10.17; after, 8.83 ± 6.82; P < .01) Furthermore, masticatory function score was significantly higher after completing implant-retained obturator rehabilitation (before, 38.75 ± 22.97; after, 69.17 ± 21.41; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Implant-retained obturator rehabilitation contributed to improved masticatory function and oral health-related QOL after maxillectomy.

Free Flap Reconstruction of the Maxilla

Tumors of the maxilla and midface are some of the most difficult to manage, not only in terms of treatment but also in terms of achieving acceptable orofacial reconstruction. Today, free flaps dominate the reconstructive field. Many patients can achieve successful reconstruction after free flap transfer with a return of intelligible speech, a regular diet, and acceptable cosmesis. Herein, the authors review free flap reconstruction of the maxilla, with a focus on the classifications of defects, when obturators are appropriate, types and sources of free flaps, and complications for which to beware.

The Biaxial Double-Barrel Fibula Flap-A Simplified Technique for Fibula Maxillary Reconstruction

PURPOSE

Previously described techniques for microvascular fibula reconstruction of Brown Class II to IV maxillectomy defects are complex, require multiple osteotomies, result in a short pedicle, and inadequately reconstruct the dental alveolus in preparation for endosseous implants. This report describes a simplified technique for Brown Class II to IV defects that re-creates facial support, allows for dental reconstruction with appropriately positioned implants, and maintains adequate pedicle length.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients with Brown Class II to IV maxillectomy defects immediately reconstructed with a biaxial double-barrel fibula flap technique. The reconstructive surgeon evaluated each patient at least 1 month after reconstruction for enophthalmos, facial symmetry, nasal patency, satisfactory jaw position, deglutition, intelligible speech, and intraoperative need for vein grafting.

RESULTS

The sample was composed of 6 patients (mean age, 54 yr; range, 33 to 78 yr; 67% women) who underwent reconstruction with the biaxial double-barrel fibula flap technique for Brown Class II to IV defects. None of these patients required vein grafting. None of these patients had flap failure. Diagnoses for these patients were a hybrid odontogenic tumor (n = 1), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 3), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 1), and sinonasal melanoma (n = 1). All 6 patients had excellent facial contour and malar projection, regular oral intake, 100% intelligible speech, and a new maxillary skeletal Class I relation without need for intraoperative vein grafting. One patient developed enophthalmos related to inferior rectus sacrifice and removal of orbital fat. Complications included development of nasal synechia and occlusion of the maxillary sinus ostium (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

The biaxial double-barrel fibula flap technique achieves the goals of providing adequate facial support and an alveolar segment amenable to implant dentistry. It allows for intelligible speech, deglutition, orbital support, and separation of the oronasal, orbital, and sinus cavities. In addition, it minimizes the need for vein grafting.

Reconstruction of midface defects with the osteocutaneous radial forearm flap: Evaluation of long term outcomes including patient reported quality of life

BACKGROUND

Maxillectomy defects significantly impair quality of life. Prosthetics can overcome some of these issues, but has limitations. The role of the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OC-RFFF) has been established for reconstruction of smaller maxillectomy defects, but its role in larger defects is not well defined. We aim to evaluate outcomes after midface reconstruction utilizing the OC-RFFF.

METHODS

Retrospective review of prospective database collected between 2005 and 2014 of midface reconstruction using OC-RFFF in a tertiary care centre. Donor site complications and acute and long-term recipient site complications were measured. Health related quality of life was assessed using the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) Questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 68 midface defects were reconstructed using the OC-RFFF. Acute recipient site complications included three flap failures (4%), and two additional microvascular revision cases for vascular compromise. Late recipient complications included fistula (n = 10, 14%), ectropion (n = 7, 10%), diplopia (n = 6, 9%) and exposed hardware (n = 5, 7%). Resection of cheek skin or orbital rim correlated with orbital complications. The incidence of fistula was not affected by defect size or prior radiation. There were two donor site infections and no instances of forearm fracture. Patients undergoing OC-RFFF repair had mean scores for UW-QOL outcomes higher than published rates of obturator quality of life.

CONCLUSION

The OC-RFFF is suited to a variety of midface defects and can be combined with hardware to reconstruct the orbital floor. Recipient site complications are common, but donor site morbidity is low and outcomes, including HR-QOL, are acceptable.

Combined use of an anterolateral thigh flap and rapid prototype modeling to reconstruct maxillary oncologic resections and midface defects

The most complex area for reconstruction of the head and the neck is the maxilla and the midface because of the difficult anatomy of this region. This article aimed to describe our design for the reconstruction of the zygomaticomaxillary complex using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap combined with a rapid prototyping technology. Seven patients were involved in this study. All free ALT flaps survived, and the patients were satisfied with the results both esthetically and functionally 8 months after surgery. The free ALT flap with a titanium mesh made by rapid prototyping technology is a reliable option for the treatment of oncologic resections of the maxilla and other midface defects. This technique has a significantly shorter surgical time than conventional procedures, with good and predictable postoperative outcomes.

Iliac crest free flap and submental island flap for maxillary reconstruction

The iliac crest free flap is one of the most reliable flaps for maxillary reconstruction because of the large amount of bone provided and the chance to harvest both muscle and skin. However, reconstruction of maxillary through-and-through defects requires special skills to be managed. Simultaneous replacement of oral lining and external tissue with the same features as the resected skin is difficult to achieve with conventional techniques and the use of flaps association is often necessary to ensure acceptable cosmetic and functional results. In the case presented the submental island flap was a good choice to overcome these difficulties.

Reconstruction of orbitomaxillary defects

PURPOSE

Defects of the orbitomaxillary complex are problematic, not only for the patient, who deals with physical and psychological sequelae of his or her condition, but also for the surgeon, who must select from numerous treatment options to achieve the best possible outcome. As is often the case in surgically managed disease states, there is minimal high-level evidence to direct decision making in this area of medicine. We aim with this case series to at least provide our perspective on orbitomaxillary reconstruction based on a single-surgeon's 6-year experience at the University of Florida in Jacksonville.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A chart review was performed for patients treated by the maxillofacial surgery division from August 2006 through August 2011, who underwent reconstruction of orbitomaxillary defects (Classes III to VI) resulting from ablative surgery. Data collected included patient demographics, surgery performed, reconstructive methods, pathology, and adjuvant radiotherapy. Inclusion criteria consisted of an initial surgery involving maxillectomy with orbital involvement performed at our institution, adequate follow-up, and complete medical records. Patients treated elsewhere or with inadequate records were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

We identified 21 patients who met the criteria for this study. Their ages ranged from 44 to 79 years, with 8 men and 13 women. Histologic evaluation showed squamous cell carcinoma in the majority of cases (14 patients). All defects were either Brown Class III, IV, V, or VI with the distribution as follows: 7 Class IIIs, 5 Class IVs, 7 Class Vs, and 2 Class VIs. The reconstructions included 8 radial forearm flaps, 4 anterolateral thigh flaps, 2 thoracodorsal artery perforator fasciocutaneous flaps, 1 thoracodorsal angular artery composite flap, 2 latissimus dorsi myofasciocutaneous flaps, and 1 composite fibula flap. Three patients had only an obturator with local flaps or skin grafting. Of the 21 patients, 18 had postoperative radiation. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 60 months. Three patients died of their disease, 14 were alive without disease, and 4 were lost to follow-up. Mean follow-up was 24.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of our patient experience, we believe that we can offer the following perspective: patients reconstructed for these larger defects, Classes III to VI, were less likely to be discontented with their reconstruction as compared with those who underwent obturation. The choice of bone versus soft tissue-only reconstruction was not a significant issue for our patient population because the vast majority of patients were not interested in dental implants because of out-of-pocket costs. In the era of perforator flaps, we believe that the use of these flaps provides a more predictive outcome compared with musculocutaneous flaps, which will atrophy over time and lead to a change in facial contour.

Reconstruction of osteomyelitis defects of the craniofacial skeleton

Osteomyelitis of the craniofacial skeleton closely resembles osteomyelitis elsewhere in the body in its pathophysiology and medical management; subsequent reconstruction after debridement remains distinctly challenging. The goals of reconstruction must include the restoration of the complex and readily visible morphology of the cranium and face, as well as the adequate return of vital sensory, expressive, and digestive functions. In this article, the various reconstructive modalities will be discussed including pedicled and nonpedicled flaps with or without an osseous component, nonvascularized bone grafts, alloplastic implants, and bone regeneration using protein therapy. Although reconstruction of craniofacial defects after osteomyelitis commonly proves formidable, the satisfactory return of form and function remains a plausible reconstructive goal.

Reconstruction of the maxilla with loss of the orbital floor and orbital preservation: a case for the iliac crest with internal oblique

Although many techniques have been described to reconstruct the midface and the maxilla, there remains little agreement on the most effective methods when the orbit itself is preserved but there is loss of the maxilla, orbital floor, and often the medial wall. If the principle of replacing form and function is to be preserved, then a complex three-dimensional bony shape is required, which can support the orbital floor and provide a functioning dentition through an implant-retained prosthesis. At the same time, the oral fistula must be closed and a nasal lining provided. The iliac crest with internal oblique provides a bone structure that can be shaped for the defect and can easily articulate with the malar remnant, the nasal bones, and the upper alveolus. The internal oblique muscle effectively closes the oral fistula and lines the nasal cavity and becomes epithelialized resulting in a natural appearance. This article describes the principles of use of the iliac crest with internal oblique in the reconstruction of this defect and compares this technique with the many other methods reported in the literature. The article is mainly descriptive as there are few comparative studies comparing reconstructive techniques for a similar defect.

Alveolar crest regeneration using curvilinear dentoalveolar distraction osteogenesis: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to reconstruct alveolar crest at home position using distraction osteogenesis (DO) with a personalized curvilinear distractor designed through computer-aided technology.

STUDY DESIGN

Five adult dogs were recruited and the maxillary alveolar bone from the first incisor to the first premolar was excised. The dentoalveolar segment adjacent to the defect was osteotomized as a bone transport disk. After 8 weeks of consolidation, the dogs were humanely killed, and the regenerated bone was analyzed.

RESULTS

The DO was successful in the experimental group. The radiographs and histology both verified new bone bridging distraction gap. However, the newly formed bone was located more internally and was not in original position.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed method to reconstruct alveolar crest at home position is improper. The key point was how to maintain the distraction space and hold it at the home position. The barrier membrane technique may be used together with DO to resolve the problem.

Surgical and prosthetic reconsiderations in patients with maxillectomy

The purpose of this study was to establish and evaluate new possibilities for rehabilitation of patients with obturator prosthesis who had undergone partial or total maxillectomy because of tumour ablation surgery. Eleven patients with maxillary defects were reconstructed with a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing designed prosthesis. Missing retention was gained by inserting implants in the remaining bone, so that an expansion of the surgical defect to gain further retention could be avoided. All patients were treated successfully according to the previously described treatment plan. The Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS) of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre was applied to evaluate the functional quality of the obturator prosthesis and patient's satisfaction. It showed good results in all fields of functional outcome and social acceptance.