Reconstruction of the through-and-through oral cavity defect with the fibula free flap

Revisiting the Trapezius Flap as a Reconstructive Option for Cervico-Occipital and Thoracic Spine Regions

Introduction Reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects around the cervico-occipital and thoracic spine regions is a challenging task. We want to share our experience with trapezius flap for the reconstruction of these complex cases.

Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent reconstruction using trapezius flaps from January 2016 to June 2019 was performed. The indications, technique, complications, and outcomes were analyzed and presented.

Results Six patients (three males and three females, >10 years of age) underwent seven reconstructions using trapezius flaps (one of the patients underwent reconstruction using a bilateral trapezius flap). Trapezius flap was used to resurface the parieto-occipital ( n = 2), cervico-occipital ( n = 2), cervicothoracic ( n = 1), and thoracic ( n = 1) regions. All flaps showed successful outcomes; one patient had wound dehiscence, and one patient had partial skin graft loss.

Conclusion Trapezius flap is a reliable and good alternative to free flaps for the coverage of complex cervical-occipital and upper thoracic soft tissue defects.

Is there still a role for bilobed/bipaddled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for single-stage immediate reconstruction of post ablative oncologic full-thickness defects of the cheek?

INTRODUCTION

Reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the head and neck is a challenge. In this clinical study, we assessed the role of the bilobed/bipaddled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) for the reconstruction of large full-thickness defects of the cheek, after resection of oral cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

After resection of oral cancer, 62 cases of through-and-through defects of the oral cavity were reconstructed using folded/bipaddled/bilobed PMMF flap. All were males and presented with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which involved the buccal mucosa and gingivo buccal sulcus (n = 53) and gingivo buccal sulcus + lip (n = 9).

RESULTS

All the flaps survived, and no patient developed a major complication. The most common complication in the current series was wound dehiscence. In 8% of cases, wound dehiscence was found at the donor site; in 6.45% of cases, dehiscence was present at the recipient site; and in 4.83% of cases, dehiscence was present at the neck. All the wounds healed secondarily with regular dressings.

CONCLUSION

The bilobed/bipaddled PMMF is a straightforward and reliable flap that provides an effective mechanism to reconstruct full-thickness cheek defects while avoiding the complexity of microvascular free flaps. The bilobed/bipaddled PMMF has become our preferred reconstruction option for large full-thickness defects after resection of oral carcinoma.

Reconstruction of through-and-through oral cavity defects with folded extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap

Reconstruction of through-and-through defects of the head and neck is a challenge. In this clinical study we assessed the feasibility of the folded, extended, vertical, lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap (TIMF) for the reconstruction of 16 large through-and-through defects of the oral cavity, which were reconstructed after resection of oral cancer. The skin paddle was 5-7 cm wide and 11-20 cm long. The folded flap provides both inner and outer linings for through-and-through defects, and all the flaps survived. The appearance of the head and neck was acceptable, and oral function was satisfactory. The folded extended vertical lower TIMF is a large, simple, and reliable flap that is preferred for the reconstruction of large through-and-through defects after resection of oral carcinoma.

The free osteofasciocutaneous fibula flap: clinical applications and surgical considerations

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, donor site morbidity and patients' Quality of Life in order to evaluate the usefulness of the free osteofasciocutaneous fibula flap in the reconstruction or construction of a mandibula, neophallus, lower leg or forearm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

104 patients were treated with free osteofasciocutaneous fibula flaps in our clinic. 23 for mandible reconstruction, 66 for neophallus reconstruction, 9 for lower leg reconstruction and 6 for forearm reconstruction. These patients were asked to answer a questionnaire and to be present for a clinical and a radiological examination in our department. In addition, their previous records were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

The dimension of the surface of the skin island was 178.6 cm(2) (72-352 cm(2)) in average and the average length of the fibular bony part was 15.4 cm (10-23 cm). The most frequent and severe complication was skin island edge necrosis (n=7); no total flap necrosis was found. Donor-site morbidity was low, since no joint instability could be reported. Quality of Life was improved according to the standardised FLZ(M) questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

Advantages of free osteofasciocutaneous fibula flaps were the wide cortical bone and the relative constant anatomy, the long pedicle, flat, uniform and sufficient large and pliable skin island, as well as the good blood circulation also by massive modelling of the skin and bone part. The skin island could be harvested large enough in order to reconstruct extended soft-tissue defects in the face and the extremities as well as to construct neophallus in its normal size without any restrictions. The lower leg donor-site morbidity was moderate and can be readily covered with a sock in patients' everyday life common activities. Finally, in our hands, the utilisation of the free osteofasciocutaneous fibula flap is the best possible therapy for these difficult composite reconstructions.